Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions Set 4 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Set 4 with Solutions
Time : 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- This Question paper contains THREE sections-READING, GRAMMAR and WRITING & LITERATURE.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section – A
Reading Skills (20 Marks)
Question 1.
Read the following text. [10 Marks]
1. Starting Monday, the country’s low-cost Mars mission with the red planet for an extended period will enter the . “blackout” phase snapping communication with the satellite. From June 8 to 22 the Sun will block Mars from the
Earth snapping communication with the satellite.
2. A senior Indian Space Research Organisation official said, “That will be for the first time that there will be a communication break for such a long period of about 15 days. During this period there will be no communication with the satellite”, he added.
3. Expressing confidence about regaining control over the satellite once the blackout phase is over, he said, “the scenario had been seated and the line of communication will be established.” The spacecraft’s life has been extended for another six months in March due to surplus fuel.
4. Stating that the spacecraft has been “configured” for the blackout, the ISRO official said, “we are not sending any commands to the spacecraft now, till 8th June few hours of signals will be sent by the spacecraft that will be for about two to there hours per day”. In May next year, the mission will have to go through a similar phase once again, if there is another extension of mission life when the Earth will come between the Sun and Mars.
5. Scripting space history, India on September 24 last successfully placed its low-cost Mars spacecraft in orbit around the red planet in its very first attempt, breaking into an elite club of three countries.
Based on your understanding of the extract, answer the questions below:
(i) Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph 1. [2]
The ‘blackout’ phase is significant ___________ .
Answer:
The blackout phase is significant because it will lead to snapping all communication with satellite that is on a mission to Mars.
(ii) Choose the appropriate option to fill in the blank. [1]
From paragraph 1 & 2, we can infer that there will be
1. no communication with the people.
2. blackout phase.
3. satellite will get no communication.
4. moon will block the earth.
5. the communication break will be for 15 days.
(A) 1,2 & 3
(B) 1, 3 & 4
(C) 2,3 &5
(D) 3,4 & 5
Answer:
(C) 2,3 &5
(iii) According to ISRO official till 8th June, when Sun will block Mars ___________ signal/signals per day will be sent to the spacecraft. [1]
(A) no
(B) considerable
(C) indefinite
(D) only few
Answer:
(D) only few
(iv) Complete the following sentence.
The ISRO officials are __________ about their control over the spacecraft after the blackout phase. [1]
Answer:
confident
(v) The spacecraft’s life was extended by six months because of [1]
(A) extra fuel
(B) incomplete work
(C) lack of communication amongst ISRO officials
(D) technical problems in its landing
Answer:
(A) extra fuel
(vi) Read the following sentence:
(a) The blackout was a sudden development.
(b) Because of this, the officials are very nervous about the success of the spacecraft. [1]
(A) Both (A) & (B) are true.
(B) Both (A) & (B) are false.
(C) (A) is true and (B) is false.
(D) (A) is false and (B) is true.
Answer:
(B) Both (A) & (B) are false.
(vii) Complete the sentence:
The word ‘fascination’ in the opening sentence means the same as _________. [1]
Answer:
Enchantment
(viii) Throw light on India’s script in space history in about 40 words. [2]
Answer:
On September 24, India successfully placed its low-cost mars spacecraft in orbit around the red planet in its very first attempt. This broke an elite club of three countries, thus scripting India’s space history.
Question 2.
Read the following text. (10)
1. India is home to an estimated 10% of the global Snow Leopard population spread across five Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh which is only 5% of the available global habitat for the animal.
2. Project Snow Leopard was introduced in India by the Project Snow Leopard Committee instituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, in the year 2009 to safeguard and conserve India’s unique natural heritage of high-altitude wildlife populations and their habitats by promoting conservation through participatory policies and actions.
3. Project Tiger and Project Elephant are prevalent in India with the former introduced in 1973 garnering worldwide attention.
4. The Snow Leopard usually occurs at an altitude of >2700m above sea level and is the apex predator in the Himalayan Region along with the Tibetan Wolf. The project is not only to protect the Snow Leopard but as with Project Tiger, it is considered an umbrella species and with its protection, comes the protection of other species and the habitat of which they are all a part.
5. Top 3 National Parks in India where the Snow Leopard can likely be seen
(i) Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary – Himachal Pradesh
(ii) Ulley Valley – Ladakh
(iii) Hemis National Park – Himachal Pradesh
6. The reasons for the introduction of Project Snow Leopard are as follows.
(i) High altitudes of India > 3000m including the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan biogeographic zones support a unique wildlife assemblage of global conservation.
(ii) There has been relatively less attention on the region from the viewpoint of wildlife conservation.
(iii) The region represents a vast rangeland system supporting important traditional pastoral economies and lifestyles.
(iv) The region provides essential ecosystem services and harbours river systems vital for the nation’s food security.
(v) India has ratified international agreements promoting the conservation of high-altitude wildlife species such as the snow leopard.
(vi) The region is important for the country’s national security as well as international relations.
(vii) The high-altitude wildlife in India today faces a variety of threats.
(viii) The existing high-altitude protected areas in India require considerable strengthening.
(ix) Wildlife Management in the region needs to be made participatory.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) Complete the following sentence appropriately. (1)
Project Snow Leopard was introduced in India to ………….. .
Answer:
safeguard and conserve India’s unique natural heritage of high-altitude wildlife population and their habitats by promoting conservation through participatory policies and actions
(ii) Select the appropriate option to fill in the blanks from Paragraph 4. (1)
The ……………. and the …………… which usually occur at an altitude of > 2700m, are the apex predators in the Himalayan Region.
Answer:
snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf
(iii) What do you understand by the word ‘ratified’ in point number (vi) in paragraph 6? Why do you think India has ‘ratified’ the international agreements? (40 words) (2)
Answer:
The word ‘ratified’ means (especially of governments or organisations) to make an agreement official. India has ratified the international agreements to protect the snow Leopard as it is an endangered species.
(iv) Infer the meaning of the phrase ‘snow leopard is considered an umbrella species’
from the passage. (1)
Answer:
‘Umbrella’ species refers to such species whose protection will ensure the protection of other species.
(v) In which states/UTs of India can the Snow Leopards be found? (1)
Answer:
Snow Leopards can be found in four Himalayan states – Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh – and the union territory Jammu and Kashmir.
(vi) Select the correct option to complete the following sentence. (1)
The reason for the introduction of Project Snow Leopard in high altitudes is that ……………. .
(a) the region has a cold climate
(b) the region offers a very less chance of survival for other animals
(c) the region provides essential ecosystem services and harbours river systems for the nation’s food security
(d) snow Leopard survive better in such climates
Answer:
(c) the region provides essential ecosystem services and harbours river systems vital for the nation’s food security
(vii) List any two reasons for the introduction of Project Snow Leopard in high altitudes in 40 about words. (2)
Answer:
Two reasons for the introduction of Project snow Leopard in high altitudes are
(a) High altitudes of India > 3000m including the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan biogeographic zones support a unique wildlife assemblage of global conservation.
(b) There has been relatively less attention on the region from the viewpoint of wildlife conservation.
(viii) Which of the following is an appropriate title for paragraph 2?
(a) Preserving India’s wild
(b) Project Tiger
(c) Man in the Wild
(d) Project Snow Leopard
Answer:
(a) Preserving India’s wild
Section – B
Writing Skills and Grammar (20 Marks)
Grammar (10 Marks)
Question 3.
Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks as directed
(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter:
Dear Sir
Through this letter we wish to remind you that we ______________ (place) an order for 325 litre refrigerator to be delivered on 11 May 2023 at our place. [1]
Answer:
had placed
(ii) 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: [1]
| Error | Correction |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| Was | Is |
(iii) Kabir shared some information with Sahil about his travel plans. Report Kabir’s plans.
I will go to Tripura tomorrow. [1]
Answer:
Kabir told Sahil that he would go to Tripura the next day.
(iv) 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?
Farmer: 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 _____________. [1]
(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:
(D) he had to drive for four kms and then turn right.
(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the slogan:
__________ only weapon to fight injustice is education. (An/ The/ This) [1]
Answer:
The
(vi) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction:
The evil of begging is very common into our country…
Use the given format for your response: [1]
| Error | Correction |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| Into | In |
(vii) 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:
| Option | Error | Correction |
| (C) | are | is |
(viii) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option:
As I stood on the balcony and watched the passers-by throw paper out of their car, I was ___________ by their behavior.
(A) put up
(B) Put in
(C) put away
(D) put off
Answer:
(D) put off
(ix) 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 favorite project, the son said that __________.
Answer:
He enjoyed the one in which he had to build a remote control car.
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the message sent by a school.
Congratulations Students
The board has announced the results and your performance in exams __________ laurels to the school.
(A) had brought
(B) brought
(C) has brought
(D) will bring
Answer:
(C) has brought
(xi) Complete the line from a poem written by Vikram Seth, by filling in the correct option.
Next night when the nightingale
Shook her head and ___________ her tail.
Closed an eye and fluffed a using And had cleared her throat to sing .
(A) twitched
(B) will twitch
(C) twitches
(D) had twitched
Answer:
(A) twitched
(xii) Identify the error and supply correction for the following instruction from the school.
Note:
Students must not carry mobile phones to school during extra classes.
Use the given format for your response.
| Error | Correction |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| Carried | Carry |
Writing (10 Marks)
Note: All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purposes.
Question 4.
A. You are Rachana/Raghav a resident of 15 MG Road, Agra. You happened to see the following news item in a newspaper. Write a letter to the editor of The Times of India, New Delhi expressing your views on the matter. (5)
New Delhi : The Supreme court has passed an order that it is the responsibility of every citizen to look after their aged parents. If they fail, they will have no right to inheritance.
Or
B. You are Raman/Ramya Singh, computer-in-charge of Rose Mary Convent. Your school wishes to buy 20 computers and computer accessories from HPC Computers, New Delhi. Draft a letter placing the order giving all the specifications of the product and its quality.
Answer:
A.
15, MG Road
Agra
21st September, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject : Matters about aged parents and inheritance
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of one and all to the decision taken by the Supreme Court concerning elderly parents and inheritance.
Recently, I came across an order passed by the Supreme Court that stated that it was the right of, the aged parents to be taken care of by their children.
According to the law, if children do not take care of their aged parents then they will have no right over any inheritance of their parental property. Such a law deserves a lot of applause given the rising cases of elderly desertion. Children today take their share of property and then desert their parents on the streets or the old age homes where they have to fend for themselves. If the elderly are kept at home, they are given more responsibilities, are isolated, and even ridiculed.
In a nation where the elderly were revered as a storehouse of knowledge and wisdom, it is high time such a law was passed to help the elderly. I hope that with this law children will understand that parents are not money-minting machines.
Thanking you
Yours Sincerely
Rachna
Or
B.
Rose Mary Convent
Shalimar Bagh
New Delhi 110056
20th January, 20XX
The Proprietor
HPC Computers
126, Nehru Place
New Delhi 110045
Subject : Placement of order for computers and accessories
Sir/Ma’am
This is concerning your email advertisement received by our team. Our school wishes to purchase from your organization. The details of the same are given below
| S. No. | Product | Brand | Quantity |
| 1. | PC | HP | 40 |
| 2. | Wireless Mouse | HP/Dell | 20 |
| 3. | Wireless Keyboard | HP/Dell | 20 |
| 4. | Laptops | Dell | 10 |
| 5. | Projector Systems | Intex | 10 |
As stated in the advertisement, bulk orders are eligible for a discount. Since we are one of your oldest customers, we expect an additional discount as well. Further, we would expect delivery within 15 days after the issue of this letter. If found damaged then the entire order would be cancelled. In addition, it would be helpful if you could specify the means of payment.
Waiting for your earliest response.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Raman/Ramya Singh
(Head of Computer-in-Charge)
Question 5.
(A) In an exclusive survey conducted by a leading daily, students of class X expressed their job preference. Based on the information given in the pie chart, write a paragraph analysing the careers they want to pursue after school. (Word limit 100-120 words) [5]
Answer:
Career Choices
Getting the right career is important for students these days. Students of grade X choose their subjects in higher school with an aim to pursue a specific career in their lives.
There are various career options available to students and students often express their preferences. According to the chart provided, maximum number of students wish to be teachers or IT professionals. Fashion designers and scientists are also career options for a significant number of students. On the other hand, there are only about 10 % who wish to become doctors, engineers and photographers.
Students must understand their career preferences early so that they can choose the right subjects that would help them in shaping their career in the right manner.
OR
(B) Given below is a graph comparing the consumption of health care supplements amongst men and women between the age 25-35 from the year 2018-2022 in terms of their sales. Write an analyitcal paragraph in about 100-120 words using the details given. [5]
Answer:
Healthcare Supplements
Everyone wants to stay healthy and fit. Men and women not only eat healthy food but also follow exercise routines that can help them maintain a healthy mind and body. These days, lifestyle changes often do not let everyone get the right diet to maintain a healthy body. In this case, healthcare supplements are often used by men and women.
These healthcare supplements provide the nutrients to the body that diet cannot provide. The graph shows that the sales of healthcare supplements has increased over the last few years. As compared to the year 2018, the sales of these supplements have increased in years 2021 and 2022. Moreover, both men and women contribute to the sales of these supplements almost equally and significantly.
The given graph clearly shows that right from 2018-2022, men had been more conscious about taking health supplements than women.
Healthcare supplements must be taken to provide the required nutrition that the body lacks but these cannot be food substitutes.
Section – C
Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text (40Malks)
Question 6.
Read the given extracts and answer the question for ANY ONE of two, extracts given. (5)
A. Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read. Following him down the musty corridor of the gloomy French hotel where Ausable had a room, Fowler felt let down. It was a small room, on the sixth and top floor, and scarcely a setting for a romantic adventure. Ausable was, for one thing, fat. Very fat. And then there was his accent. Though he spoke French and German passably, he had never altogether lost the American accent he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years ago. “You are disappointed,” Ausable said wheezily over his shoulder. (The Midnight Visitor)
(i) State True or False. (1)
None of the terms (a) – (d) can be applied to the statement – Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read.
(a) A hypothesis – a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
(b) An assumption – something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true
(c) A hyperbole – exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
(d) A premise – a proposition that forms the basis of an argument
Answer:
True
(ii) State any one reference about a secret agent from the given extract. (1)
Answer:
It can be inferred from the extract that a secret agent is expected to be fit and save.
(iii) Where was Ausable’s room? (1)
Answer:
Ausable’s room was on the sixth and top floor of the hotel.
(iv) Why was Fowler disappointed by Ausable when he met him? Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
Fowler was disappointed by Ausable when he met him because didn’t have the personality of a spy.
Or
B. But for Valli, standing at the front door was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played. Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences.
The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. It passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once coming back. The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers, was a source of unending joy for Valli. (Madam Rides the Bus)
(i) What was the most interesting thing for Valli? (1)
(a) The children playing elaborate games.
(b) Watching the street.
(c) The bus that travelled through her village.
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(c) The bus that travelled through her village.
(ii) Read the following descriptions (a) – (c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract. (1)
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic, usually with two or more people presenting different viewpoints and arguments.
(b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a character alone on stage, which reveals their innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience.
(c) A narrative a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious.
Answer:
(c) A narrative a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious.
(iii) How did Valli feel while standing at the doorway? For what specific reason did Valli stand at the doorway? Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
Watching the street gave Valli many new and strange experiences. She felt joyous standing at the doorway. She would especially wait for the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. It was a source of immense joy for her.
(iv)How was Valli different from children of her age? (1)
Answer:
Valli was different from children of her age as she was not interested in playing any elaborate games.
Question 7.
(A) What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over — there it is in the water!
(i) The extract suggests that the poet is: [1]
(A) An onlooker observing
(B) A parent recounting the incident
(C) The boy talking about himself
(D) Imagining the incident
Answer:
(A) An onlooker observing
(ii) What has the poet indicated by stating the merry bouncing of the ball? [2]
Answer:
The happiness of the bouncing ball has been compared and contrasted with the disappointed feelings of the boy.
(iii) Choose the situation that corresponds to the emotion behind the exclamation mark in the poem. [1]
| (1) | Hey ! Hey! That’s no way to dispose off the garbage. Have you no community sense? Please put it in the bin. |
| (2) | I knew it! I knew he’ll fare well in his auditions for ‘Young Chef. Now, we prepare for the semi-finals. |
| (3) | I dont know where I’ve placed my ID-card. Let me check the bag once more. Ah, finally! |
| (4) | I’ve been trying to call mom for the past 20 minutes and can’t get through. I don’t know how…Aarrgh! Again! |
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
Answer:
(C) Option 3
Explanation:
The exclamation mark used in the poem denotes confusion which is represented in option 3.
(iv) The poem begins with a question. Based on your reading of the poem, the speaker ____________. [1]
Answer:
is thinking to himself.
Explanation:
The speaker is not asking the questions from the reader in particular. He is trying to find the answers on his own.
OR
(B) “Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.
But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,
Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,
He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm”
(i) Why do you think Custard jumped up? [2]
Answer:
When all the pets hid themselves, it was the coward dragon, Custard, who came to their rescue. He jumped in front of the pirate and made huge sounds like an engine, in anger. He moved his tail and made clattering sounds like an iron rod striking the walls of a prison in a dungeon. Making all these dangerous sounds, he followed the pirate like a robin who followed a worm to eat it.
(ii) When the speaker says trickled, he refers to forming a line and _____________ someplace. [1]
Answer:
Entering
Explanation:
In the poem, trickled has been used to refer to forming a line and entering someplace.
(iii) Select the option that fits with the reaction of the characters in the context of the extract.
Ink: terrified :: Blink: (i) ___________
Pirate: (ii) ______________ :: Custard: undaunted [1]
(A) (i) shocked (ii) displeased
(B) (i) petrified (ii) wondered
(C) (i) upset (ii) dazed
(D) (i) petrified (ii) shocked
Answer:
(D) (i) petrified (ii) shocked
Explanation:
Just as Ink was terrified, Blink appeared petrified or alarmed. Similarly, Pirate was dazed or amazed while Custard remained undaunted.
(iv) ‘He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm’. Why has this comparison been used here?
Just like the robin catches the worm, [1]
(A) Custard attacked the pirate after careful observation.
(B) Custard attacked the pirate without delay.
(C) Custard attacked the pirate valorously.
(D) Custard attacked the pirate stealthily.
Answer:
(B) Custard attacked the pirate without delay.
Question 8.
Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (4 x 3 = 12)
(i) Write the message that the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ gives. (3)
Answer:
The message that the poet is trying to give is that nothing in this world is eternal. The poet first concludes that the world must end in fire because of his personal experience with desire and passion, the emotions represented by fire.
But at the same time, ice or hatred can also bring destruction to this world. We should thus, not forget this supreme reality and keep ourselves above all selfish matters.
(ii) ‘All knowledge is useful. But not all knowledge is worth the cost.” Elaborate on the quote in the context of the poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’. (3)
Answer:
All knowledge is indeed useful. But not all knowledge is worth the cost. This is especially seen in the poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ wherein the poet suggests some fatal ways for identifying wild animals. While the knowledge gained is good, it is the method of gaining the knowledge that is not worth the cost. One would not want to risk one’s life for knowledge.
(iii) Did the letter reach God? Why did the postmaster send a reply to Lencho? (3)
Refer to the given lines from the text –
“What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter. Starting up a correspondence with God!” (A Letter to God)
Answer:
The letter did not reach God in reality. It was the postmaster who took on the duty of God and collected as much money as he could to send to Lencho. The postmaster replied to Lencho because he realized the firm belief and faith of Lencho in God. He did not want Lencho’s faith in God to be broken and hence, wrote a letter from God to Lencho.
(iv) Why was the site called “a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations”?
(Nelson Mandela- Long Walk to Freedom) (3)
Answer:
The site was full of leaders and dignitaries from all around the world. These leaders, irrespective of their colour, race and religion had gathered to celebrate the victory over the apartheid regime and to support the cause of peace, justice, and human dignity. Hence, the site was called a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.
(v) ‘This is a tea country now’. Explain this concerning Assam.
(Tea from Assam- Glimpses of India) (3)
Answer:
Assam is known as a ‘tea country’. It has the world’s largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. A large number of tea gardens can be found there. Everywhere in Assam, a sea of tea bushes can be seen as far as the eye can see. Most of the tea grown in Assam is supplied all over the world.
Question 9.
(A) Why did Hari Singh smile in his most appealing way towards the end of the story? [3]
Answer:
Hari Singh smiled most appealingly towards the end of the story as he had now transformed into an honest person. Throughout the story, he is dishonest and wants to rob Anil. However, at the end of the story, Hari Singh truly wants to be educated and work for Anil and therefore smiles in the most appealing way to make his way into Anil’s life.
(B) What excuses did Mrs. Pumphrey make about Mr. Herriot’s advice? [3]
Answer:
Mrs. Pumphery did not pay heed to the advice given by Mr. Herriot. Mr. Herriot had advised that Tricki must be given lots of water and his diet must be cut down for him to stay healthy. The excuse she gave was that Tricki was very weak and she had to relent and give him whatever he asked for to eat and drink.
(C) What lesson did Ebright learn when he did not win anything at a science fair? [3]
Answer:
When Ebright did not win anything at the science fair, he realized that merely putting up a model of what was learnt in class was not enough. He realized that winners had to work hard and conduct real experiments to show that they had learned and assimilated the knowledge. He learnt that science was not just about display but could help one learn a lot.
Question 10.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100 – 120 words, (1 × 6 = 6)
A. The narrator developed a special bond with Mijbil and both became good companions. In the light of the given statement, describe the relationship between the Otter, Mijbil and Maxwell, the narrator. (Mijbil the Otter)
Or
B. You have been chosen to write a blog on the importance of proper upbringing. Prepare the blog concerning the poem Amanda’ by Robert Klein in not more than 100-120 words.
Answer:
A. The story ‘Mijbil, the Otter’ describes an age old relationship that exist between man and an animal. In the story, the narrator, Maxwell gets an otter named Mijbil as a pet. Initially, Mijbil did not show any interest in his surrounding, but slowly he started playing in it. He developed a unique and lovely relation with the narrator. The narrator took very good care of his pet. He made sure to keep his pet entertained and bought him many toys including marbles, rubber balls, fruits etc. He even made sure to take Mijbil to play in water after realising his pet’s fascination with water.
Maxwell was keen observant of his pet’s habits and traits. He encouraged Mijbil to do what he liked and also took him for a walk every day. He was worried when he had to pack his pet in a box and was even more worried when he saw Mijbil covered in blood. Mijbil was happy with his owner.
He would follow the narrator when he was called. Even when he was scared in the box and the aircraft, he found contentment with the narrator. All this shows that both of them understood and loved each other.
Or
B. Importance of proper Upbringing
Upbringing plays an essential role in personality development of a child. Whenever we wish to admire or criticise someone, we talk about the upbringing of that person. Robin Klein’s poem ‘Amanda’ highlights the problems of ‘proper’ upbringing of a child. To instil good values and moral principles in a growing child is the foremost duty of the parents. However, the poem shows how a child feels upset because of constant instructions.
Amanda, the little girl in the poem, goes through such a situation. She is instructed and scolded for her habits. She gets no freedom and space for herself. As a result, she enters her world of imagination. This world proves to be her defence against her scolding mother. In her world, she seeks freedom and peace. She imagines herself as a mermaid who is the sole resident of a beautiful sea.
Then, she imagines herself as an orphan who is free to do anything. Finally, she wants to be Rapunzel and live a peaceful life in a tower. Therefore, elders/parents must maintain a balance.
While instilling good manners, they should also give some freedom to their children.
Question 11.
(A) Parents play a crucial role in the upbringing of their children. Critically examine the parents of Bholi and Ebright, highlighting their impact on their children’s lives. [6]
Answer:
Parents play the most crucial role in a child’s life. They are the child’s first teacher, who provides comfort and security, which has a direct impact on the development of the child’s brain
Ebright’s mother played the role of a friend, philosopher, and guide. She filled the vacuum created by the death of his father. She tirelessly assisted him in his research on butterflies and provided everything necessary to enhance his knowledge. It was only because of her that Ebright became a renowned scientist.
Contrary to Ebright’s mother, Bholi’s parents detested her from the day of her birth on account of her gender. Their insensitive behavior proved detrimental to Bholi’s physical, and mental development. Bholi grew up to be a timid child who would stammer much to her parents’ annoyance.
In a nutshell, love, care, and guidance from parents make a difference in shaping the child’s future.
OR
(B) A new secret agent has asked Ausable’s opinion on the traits they should be looking for in a person filling in his shoes. Create a conversation between Ausable and the new agent about the indispensable traits that a secret agent. [6]
must-have.
Answer:
New agent:
Monsieur Ausable, you have been famous as a committed employee in our department. I have also heard a lot about your quick-wittedness, intelligence, and hard work. But when I saw you I was really surprised to see your simple way of living. Please guide me by throwing some light on the traits a secret agent must have.
Ausable: Well! Being a secret agent in real life may not match the glamorous and flashy images from movies and television. Spying is often a low-key, tireless, and thankless endeavor. However, it is certainly not for those who lack commitment or the joint of heart. One needs to develop several practical and risk-averse characteristics for spying. As a spy, you need to have keen senses and develop them further through training in aspects like how to collect and evaluate vital information. Also, you must have a natural adaptable, and high-functioning ability to interact with others. While doing so, you must keep your composure and be able to work independently. You see appearances are deceptive. You need to have a clever mind and be witty to become a successful secret agent.