Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative with Solutions Set 4 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative Set 4 with Solutions
Time : 3 hrs
Max. Marks : 80
General Instructions:
- 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
- The Question Paper contains Four sections-Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Grammar and Literature Textbook.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section – A
Reading Skills [22 Marks]
Question 1.
Read the following passage.
1. I saw ‘Jaws’, the popular shark movie, the summer it came out, in 1975 and became paranoid about sharks. Though I kept swimming after Jaws, it was always with the vague fear that a shark’s teeth could tug on my leg at any moment. Never mind that there’d been only two shark bites since 1900 on the Connecticut coast, where I lived.
2. So, when I got this assignment for the National Geographic magazine, I decided to accept and do what I’d never wanted to do: swim with the sharks. I had to go to a place in the Bahamas known as Tiger Beach and dive with tiger sharks, the species responsible for more recorded attacks on humans than any shark except the great white. It was to be my first dive after getting certified-which meant it would be my first dive anywhere other than a swimming pool or a quarry-and without a diver’s cage. Most people who got wind of this plan thought I was either very brave or very stupid.
3. But I just wanted to puncture an illusion. The people who know sharks intimately tend to be the least afraid of them, and no one gets closer to sharks than divers. The divers who run operations at Tiger Beach speak lovingly of the tiger sharks the way people talk about their children or their pets. In their eyes, these sharks aren’t man-eaters any more than dogs are.
4. The business of puncturing illusions is never just black and white. My fellow divers had hundreds of dives under their belt and on the two-hour boat ride to the site in the morning of our first dive, they kept saying things like, ‘Seriously, I really can’t believe this is your first dive.’ All this was okay with me until I reached the bottom and immediately had to fend off the first tiger shark, I had ever laid eyes on. However, when I watched the other divers feeding them fish and steering them gently, it became easy to see the sharks in a very benign light.
5. I think it would be unfair not to mention that though tiger sharks are apex predators. They act as a crucial balancing force in ocean ecosystems, constraining the numbers of animals like sea turtles and limit their behaviour by preventing them from overgrazing the sea grass beds. Furthermore, tiger sharks love warm water, they eat almost anything, have a huge litter and are the hardiest shark species. If the planet and its oceans continue to warm, some species will be winners and others will be losers and tiger sharks are likely to be winners. (443 words)
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:
(i) What does the use of the phrase ‘benign light’ suggest in the context of the writer’s viewpoint about the tiger sharks? (1)
(a) Friendly nature of sharks
(b) Baseless fear of sharks
(c) Incorrect quality associated with sharks
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
(ii) Cite a point in evidence, from the text, to suggest that the writer’s post-Jaws fear was not justified. (2)
Answer:
The writer’s fear of sharks, after watching the movie Jaws, was a bit irrational and somewhat not justified as it is stated in the text that there were only two shark attacks reported from 1900 till after 1975. So, it was highly unlikely that he had to fear Sharks.
(iii) People thought the writer was ‘either brave or very stupid’. Why did some people think that he was’very stupid’? (1)
Answer:
Some people thought that the author was very stupid because he side-lined the popular notion that tiger sharks are dangerous and was risking his life. He was walking into obvious danger without the required expertise and could be bitten by the sharks.
(iv) Which one of the following traits of the writer is evident from lines 5-10? (1)
(a) Bold
(b) Adventurous
(c) Experimental
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
(v) Why does the writer say that people who know sharks intimately tend to be least afraid of them? (2)
Answer:
The writer says that the people who know sharks intimately tend to be least afraid of them because they find them to be harmless. They found that the sharks feed on the food they offer and seem to be as docile as pets.
(vi) Substitute the underlined word/phrase in the sentence with a word/phrase from the passage which means the same. (1)
Some academicians think that reward, as a form of discipline, is a simple right or wrong issue.
Answer:
Black and white
(vii) What do the tiger sharks love?
(a) Eating turtles
(b) Harming people who bother them
(c) Warm water
(d) Sea grass
Answer:
(c) Warm water
(viii) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The author of the given passage, wants the reader to …………………….
Answer:
not fear sharks and understand the ecosystem
(ix) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The writer decides to swim with the sharks because ………………….
Answer:
he wanted to puncture the illusion that sharks are vicious man-eating animals.
(x) State whether the given assertion is True or False. (1)
Tiger sharks can be called apex predators because tiger sharks restrict the number of sea turtles by feeding on them and act as a balancing force in the ecosystem.
Answer:
True
Question 2.
Read the table given below and answer the questions that follow:
| Name | Motto | Spending (INR) | Agenda of Election | Mode of Campaign | Supporters |
| Aryan | “For the people” | 10,000,000 | Education reform | Social media | Youth |
| Priya | “Progress for all” | 15,000,000 | Infrastructure development | Rallies and speeches | Business community |
| Rohit | “A better future” | 20,000,000 | Job creation and economic growth | Door-to-door campaigning | Working class |
| Sunita | “Equality and justice” | 25,000,000 | Social welfare programs | TV and radio ads | Women and minorities |
| Meera | “Sustainable development” | 30,000,000 | Environmental protection and green energy | Flyers and posters | Environmentalists |
Answer the questions based on the above table:
(i) Describe the agenda of election and mode of campaign for Aryan and Priya according to the table. [2]
Answer:
According to the table, Aryan’s agenda ofelectionis education reform and his mode of campaign is social media. Priya’s agenda of election is infrastructure development and her mode of campaign is rallies and speeches.
(ii) Which contestant has the motto “A better future”? [1]
(A) Aryan
(B) Priya
(C) Rohit
(D) Sunita
Answer:
(C) Rohit
(iii) Explain how the spending and supporters of Rohit and Sunita compare according to the table. [2]
Answer:
According to the table, Rohit’s spending is 20,000,000 INR and his supporters are the working class. Sunita’s spending is 25,000,000 INR and her supporters are
women and minorities.
(iv) Aryan : “For the people”:: Meera : ………… [1]
Answer:
Aryan : “For the people” :: Meera : “Sustainable development”
(v) Which contestant has the highest spending according to the table? [1]
Answer:
According to the table, Meera has the highest spending at 30,000,000 INR.
(vi) According to the table, the agenda of election for Meera is ………. [1]
Answer:
According to the table, the agenda of election for Meera is environmental protection and green energy.
(vii) Explain how the motto, spending, and supporters of Rohit are represented in the table. [1]
(A) Rohit’s motto is “A better future”, his spending is 20,000,000 INR, and his supporters are the working class.
(B) Rohit’s motto is “Equality and justice”, his spending is 25,000,000 INR, and his supporters are women and minorities.
(C) Rohit’s motto is “Sustainable development”, his spending is 30,000,000 INR, and his supporters are environmentalists.
Answer:
(A) Rohit’s motto is “A better future”, his spending is 20,000,000 INR, and his supporters are the working class.
(viii) Match the following contestants with their mode of campaign: [1]
(A) Aryan – 1. TV and radio ads
(B) Priya – 2. Social media
(C) Rohit – 3. Rallies and speeches
(D) Sunita – 4. Door-to-door campaigning
Answer:
The correct matches are:
Aryan – 2. Social media,
Priya – 3. Rallies and speeches,
Rohit – 4. Door-to-door campaigning,
Sunita – 1. TV and radio ads.
Section – B
Writing Skills [22 Marks]
Question 3.
Write an e-mail to the principal of your school requesting a change in section. Invent necessary details and also mention the reason. (3)
You may copy the given template to write your email.
| From : | |
| To : | |
| Cc : | |
| Date : | |
| Subject: | |
Answer:
From :
[email protected]
To :
[email protected]
Date : 10th April 20XX
Subject: Application for Change of Section
Respected Sir/Ma’am
Respectfully, I would like to inform you that I am Gaurav Sinha, a student of Class X-B in your school. I request you to change my section from B to A. The reason for this request is that all of my old friends are in another section and I am facing adjustment problems with my new classmates. Also, I do not feel comfortable in this section.
I hope you will consider my request as soon as possible.
Yours obediently
Gaurav Sinha
Class X-B
Roll No. 23
Question 4.
You recently visited an art gallery and were extremely mesmerized by a piece of art. Describe that piece of art, the artist, and their artistic style in not more than 100 words. [4]
Answer:
My recent visit to an art gallery left me entranced by a captivating piece entitled “Ethereal Reverie” by the artist Isabella Kline. The artwork, a large canvas bathed in vivid hues of blues and purples, depicted a dreamlike landscape. Abstract yet evocative, it featured swirling, ethereal forms that seemed to dance across the canvas. Isabella Kline’s artistic style is a fusion of abstract expressionism and surrealism, creating a harmonious blend of emotion and imagination. “Ethereal Reverie” transported me to a realm of enchantment, where colors and shapes coalesced into a mesmerizing symphony of the artist’s boundless creativity.
Question 5.
A. The Union Minister has flagged off a fleet of electric vehicles, an eco-friendly mode of – public transport. Taking tips from the unit ‘Science’ in the MCB write a letter to the editor in about 20 words of a national newspaper on this issue to highlight the point that Electric Vehicles (EVs) are energy efficient and environment friendly. You are Vineet/ Vineeta. (7)
Answer:
B – 65, Lake Road
Chennai – 600086
3rd March, 20XX
The Editor
The Hindu
Chennai
Subject Electric Vehicles – Promise for the Future
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I want to highlight the fact that the need to reduce air pollution along with the availability of new advanced batteries has allowed Electric Vehicles (EVs) to appear as a clean alternative to internal combustion vehicles. Electric drive systems are virtually non-polluting and extremely energy efficient. While internal combustion vehicles can convert about 20% of the chemical energy in gasoline into useful work, 75% or more of the energy from a battery has productive power in an electric vehicle.
Numerous vehicles including three-wheelers, cars, and scooters on the road contribute to heavy air and noise pollution. The use of electric vehicles can also help us in saving foreign exchange worth crores and will also substantially reduce healthcare costs.
Therefore, people should try to use electricity-run vehicles which are energy efficient and environment friendly.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Vineet
OR
B. Write an application to the librarian of your college informing him that you have lost the book issued to you last week.
Answer:
The Librarian
SPICC College
Kanpur, UP
12th December, 20XX
Subject information about lost of the issued book
Respected Sir/Ma’am
This is to inform you that I am XYZ, a student of Class Xth D. I have written this letter to tell you that I got a I book issued from the library last week and it was to be returned tomorrow on 13th December. However, unfortunately, I have lost the book. I apologize for the same and request you to let me know the price of the book so that I may make the payment to compensate it.
Kindly understand and oblige
Thanking you
Yours obediently
XYZ
Question 6.
(a) As an English teacher of a school write an engaging article for your school magazine on ‘Embracing Failure: Why Mistakes Are Essential for Personal Growth’ to motivate your students to learn from mistakes and try again. (Word limit-150 words.) [8]
Cues
I. What is the definition of failure and how does it differ from person to person?
II. How can failure be a stepping stone to success?
III. What are some examples of successful people who have failed before achieving success?
IV. How can we learn from our mistakes and use them to grow personally?
V. Why is it important to embrace failure and not be afraid of making mistakes?
VI. How can we develop a growth mindset and see failure as an opportunity for growth?
VII. What are some strategies for dealing with failure and bouncing back from setbacks?
VIII. How can we support others who are experiencing failure and help them learn from their mistakes?
IX. How can embracing failure lead to greater resilience, confidence, and personal growth?
OR
(b) On the occasion of Earth Day, you participated in various eco-friendly campaigns initiated by your school. Write an article in about 150 words, for your school magazine giving details of these campaigns and their impact on you. You are Akshay/ Akshika of Brightland Public School.
Cues
I. Why do we celebrate Earth Day?
II. Why is that it should be celebrated everywhere?
III. Disasters that are depleting the Earth.
IV. Activities to promote saving the Earth.
Answer:
(a) Title: Embracing Failure: A Stepping Stone to Personal Growth -by Shikha, English Teacher
As we journey through life, the path to success is often paved with stumbling blocks and setbacks. It’s essential for us, as learners, to recognise that these obstacles are not roadblocks but rather stepping stones to personal growth. Failure, though daunting, holds a profound lesson in resilience and self-improvement.
When we fear failure, we limit ourselves, often avoiding risks that might lead to great accomplishments. Mistakes, however, provide invaluable learning opportunities. Each stumble offers insights that pave the way for progress and innovation. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly through a process of struggle, we too transform and develop by confronting our shortcomings.
Embracing failure fosters resilience and determination. It teaches us that setbacks are temporary, while the lessons learned endure. When we persevere through failures, we build character, courage, and a mindset that welcomes challenges with open arms.
So, dear students, let’s change our perspective on failure. It’s not a mark of defeat but rather a badge of courage. Embracing mistakes empowers us to dream big, to learn, and to grow. Let’s not be afraid to stumble; let’s be proud of the lessons we glean from them. Remember, success is not about avoiding failure but about rising stronger every time we fall.
OR
(b) Earth Day Celebrations -By Akshika
Earth Day, celebrated on April 22nd, is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of our duty to protect the planet we call home. At Brightland Public School, we believe that Earth Day should be celebrated everywhere because environmental issues affect us all, transcending borders and boundaries. In recent years, we’ve witnessed disasters like wildfires, floods,and hurricanes that have devastated our planet. These events are stark reminders of the consequences of our unsustainable actions.
To promote Earth Day, our school initiated various eco-friendly campaigns. We organized tree-planting drives, encouraging students to become stewards of nature. We also conducted awareness sessions on reducing plastic usage, emphasizing the importance of recycling.
Participating in these campaigns had a profound impact on me. I realized that small actions can create a big change. Earth Day isn’t just about one day of action; it’s about instilling a lifelong commitment to protect our environment.
As we celebrate Earth Day, let’s remember that the preservation of our planet is everyone’s responsibility, and together, we can make a significant difference.
Section – C
Grammar Skills [10 Marks]
Question 7.
Complete the tasks A – C, as directed.
A. Fill the blanks (i) – (iii) with the appropriate option from those in brackets. (3)
Humans have always (i) ………………. (think/thought/thinking) of the moon as living being. In earlier times, it was seen that it had always been changing. As it was the brightest point in the dark sky, humans watched and wondered why it (ii) ……………….. (change/was changing/changed) Humans (iii) ………………. (was/had/were) always afraid of the dark, so the bright light was both welcome and mysterious.
Answer:
(i) thought
(ii) was changing
(iii) were
B. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction against the correct blank number. The first one has been done as an example. (4)
Answer:
Incorrect Correct
(a) this it
(b) scatter scattered
(e) broad breadth
(d) castle castles
C. Do as directed.
(i) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given story to create a meaningful sentence. (1)
a/time/upon/there/a/was/merchant/once/rich
He was coming back from a fair. He had a large sum of money with him. The merchant as well as his money got wet. He had to hurry up home to dry his money.
Answer:
Once upon a time there was a rich merchant.
(ii) Report the dialogue to complete the paragraph given below. (1 + 1)
Mom : Tomorrow is Diwali, so I am going to the market. Do you want anything?
Shreya : Shall I come along, mom?
Mom : No Shreya, I want you to do some cleaning.
Mom told her daughter Shreya that (a) ………………. she also asked Shreya (b) ……………… Shreya asked if she could come along with her, to this Mom replied in negative and added that she wanted her to do the cleaning.
Answer:
(ii) (a) it was Diwali the next day so she was going to the market.
(b) if she wanted anything from the market.
Section – D
Literature Textbook [26 Marks]
Question 8.
Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for ANY TWO excerpts, of the three, given. 4+4=8
(A) “Other creatures loathed his voice
But, alas, they had no choice
And the crass cacophony
Blared out front the sumac tree.”
(The Frog and The Nightingale)
(i) What was the reaction of other creatures to the character’s voice, and why did they have no choice but to endure it? [1]
Answer:
Other creatures reacted to the character’s voice with a sense of loathing and dislike. Despite their distaste for the sound, they were compelled to tolerate it because they had no alternative option to escape from its presence.
(ii) Describe the nature of the sound that came from the sumac tree and its impact on the surroundings. [1]
Answer:
The sound emanating from the sumac tree was described as a “crass cacophony,” indicating that it was a harsh and jarring noise. This noise had a disruptive effect on the surroundings, disturbing the peaceful atmosphere and likely causing discomfort for any nearby creatures.
(iii) In what manner did the creatures feel about the character’s voice, and how did their lack of options affect their situation? [1]
Answer:
Thecreatures heldanegativeopinionofthecharacter’s voice, viewing it with disdain. Unfortunately, they found themselves in a situation where they couldn’t avoid the unpleasantness of the sound because they lacked any other choice or alternative.
(iv) Explain the role of the sumac tree in generating the disruptive noise and how it affected both the character and the environment. [1]
Answer:
The sumac tree played a significant role as the source of the disturbing noise that filled the environment. The blaring sound coming from the tree had a disruptive impact on both the character and the ecosystem, creating an atmosphere of discomfort and discord rather than tranquillity.
(B) Answering a reporter’s question as to what the family was going to do next, Mr. Shultz said that they were off to stock up on some games. “It was while we were in the hospital, that someone stole the lot. I don’t know what happened to them.”
(Virtually True)
(i) Why was Shultz in the hospital? [1]
Answer:
Shultz was badly injured in a motorway accident and was in a coma.
(ii) What happened to the games after they were stolen? [1]
Answer:
They were sold at the Computer fair from where Michael’s father bought them.
(iii) What does the phrase, ‘stock up’ mean? [1]
Answer:
buy in large amounts / a mass for future use
(iv) Whom is Mr. Shultz taking to? [1]
Answer:
A reporter from a newspaper
(C) ‘Gainst death and all obvious enmity
Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find a room,
Even in the eyes of all posterity
That wears this world out to the ending doom.
(Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments)
(i) What will the speaker continue to do despite facing death and enmity? [1]
Answer:
The speaker will continue to exist and be remembered despite facing death and enmity. The use of the word “pace forth” suggests that the speaker’s legacy will endure or move forward, even in the face of mortality and hostility.
(ii) Where will the speaker’s praise continue to be acknowledged? [1]
Answer:
The speaker’s praise will continue to be acknowledged “in the eyes of all posterity.” In other words, future generations will recognize and celebrate the speaker’s accomplishments and virtues.
(iii) Whose eyes will acknowledge the speaker’s praise according to the excerpt? [1]
Answer:
The speaker’s praise will be acknowledged by “all posterity.” This means that the recognition and admiration will come from people who come after the speaker’s time, the generations that follow.
(iv) Until when will the speaker’s praise endure, as mentioned in the excerpt? [1]
Answer:
The speaker’s praise will endure to the ending doom suggesting that the speaker’s legacy will last until the very end of the world or the end of time itself, emphasising the timelessness of their praise and reputation.
Question 9.
Answer Any Five of the following six questions in about 30-40 words each. (5 × 2 = 10)
(i) Who was Miss Mebbin? Was she devoted to Mrs. Packeltide? How did she behave during the tiger shooting? (Mrs. packletide’s Tiger) (2)
Answer:
Miss Mebbin was Mrs. Packeltide’s paid companion. She charged money for sitting with her while Mrs. Packeltide hunted the tiger. She was not at all sincere to Mrs. Packeltide and behaved very . arrogantly during the tiger hunting.
(ii) Why was the postmaster bewildered? (The Letter) (2)
Answer:
When Laxmi Das told the postmaster that Ali had died three months ago, the postmaster was bewildered. It was because earlier that morning he had seen Ali and met him. After listening to Laxmi Das, he was sure that he must have seen Ali’s ghost.
(iii) Why was the grandfather so keen on changing his will? (The Dear Departed) (2)
Answer:
Grandfather was keen on changing his will because he realised that none of the daughters was keen to keep him and considered him to be a burden on them. Moreover, they wanted to grab his belongings and proceeded with the division of his belongings, assuming him to be dead.
(iv) Why did the albatross follow the ship and how did the sailors treat it? (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner) (2)
Answer:
The Albatross followed the ship due to the warm hospitality offered by the sailors. The sailors offered food and company to the albatross. It ate good food as well as played with the sailors. The sailors treated the albatross very well and welcomed it like a Christian soul.
(v) Why was Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar? (2)
Answer:
Decius was more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar as he appealed to Caesar’s vanity by telling him that the senators want to crown him. In contrast, Calpurnia only talks about her dreams. It seems that Caesar did not believe in superstitions and his vanity overcomes all persuasions by Calpurnia.
(vi) The two boys were of great help to the narrator while he stayed in the town. How? (Two Gentleman of Verona) (2)
Answer:
The boys were of great help to the narrator while he stayed in the town. They provided him and his companion with American cigarettes, booked them seats for the opera, and told them about the names of good restaurants in the city. They would also run errands for them, and guide them around Verona.
Question 10.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 150 words. [8]
(A) In Stanley Houghton’s play ‘The Dear Departed,’ how does the author employ satire and irony to critique societal values and family dynamics surrounding death and inheritance? Provide specific examples from the play to support your answer.
OR
(B) Imagine that Patol Babu read about the boys, Nicola and Jacopo from ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona ‘ and feels inspired by their experiences and transformations in life. He is inspired to share his own story and offer advice to them.
Answer:
(A) Stanley Houghton employs satire and irony in “The Dear Departed” to critique societal values and family dynamics linked to death and inheritance. The play comically exposes the family’s materialism and hypocrisy following the supposed passing of Mr. Abel Merry Weather. When they believe he’s dead, the family members outwardly mourn, yet their true motivations surface when they discover he’s alive. For instance, Mrs. Jordan expresses grief but swiftly switches to calculating her potential gains from his death. This satirizes the insincerity of their mourning.
The family’s eagerness to claim Mr. Merry Weather’s possessions further highlights their self-centeredness. Despite their claims of unity, their hidden conflicts and self-interest become apparent as they scramble to secure the inheritance. The play’s irony lies in the title itself – “The Dear Departed” initially implies genuine affection, but the characters are “dear” to each other solely in terms of financial gain. Such instances of satire and irony not only provide comic relief but also offer a sharp critique of society’s materialistic values and the erosion of genuine familial bonds in the face of inheritance.
OR
(B) Dear Nicola and Jacopo,
I hope this letter finds you well. I recently had the pleasure of reading about your adventures and transformations in ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona,’ and I couldn’t help but be inspired by your journey. Life often presents us with unexpected challenges and opportunities, and your story reminded me of my own experience.
In my own life, I too faced unexpected turns and challenges. At a certain time, I found myself unexpectedly cast in a film role with just one dialogue. While it seemed insignificant at first, I realized that every opportunity, no matter how small, can be a chance for personal growth. I embraced the role with dedication and passion, and it turned out to be a truly rewarding experience.
My advice to you both is this: embrace every challenge and opportunity that comes your way. Life has a way of surprising us, and it is in those moments that we discover our true potential. Keep an open heart and a positive attitude, and you will find that even the smallest roles in life can lead to great transformations.
Wishing you both the best in your future adventures.
Warm regards
Patol Babu