Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions and marking scheme Set 2 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Set 2 with Solutions
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- The Question Paper contains THREE Sectians-Reading, Grammar & Writing and 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. In most societies that have any glimmer of civilisation, a person accused of wrong doing is given at least a nominal chance of proving his innocence. The Romans had a highly sophisticated comprehensive system of courts and the members of their legal profession were well educated, but the Saxons who followed them to rule Britain used rougher methods.
2. From about the sixth century A.D. to the eleventh the majority of the trials were in the form of cruel physical torture (carrying a piece of red hot iron, stepping barefoot and blindfold across a floor covered with red hot coals) or sometimes by a gentler method of oath – swearing.
3. The accused was ordered to bring to the Saxon authorities. A police officer or a priest could be persuaded to swear on oath or still a number of persons who would say that the accused was of good character and thus, innocent. The number of persons who swore depended on the crime. A noble/a landlord or a priest counted for up to half a dozen ordinary peasants. As almost everyone lived in small villages, where almost everyone knew everyone else and very few would risk telling a lie on oath (the people were mostly religious), the truth was generally told. If the accused could not produce enough oath helpers, he was found guilty and punished.
4. In the eleventh century, the Normans introduced trial by battle in certain cases. The accused and the accuser fought with special weapons until one was dead or surrendered. It was believed that God would know the guilty and give the innocent the power to win. The whole idea became ridiculous when both the parties were allowed to hire champions who would fight on their behalf. It seemed likely whoever could pay the more for a stronger professional fighter stood a good chance of winning and being judged innocent. This may sound unfair to us but there is a parallel with a wealthy person today who can hire a costly and brilliant barrister to defend him.
5. In the early middle ages when England was a land of small villages remote from each other, crime tended to be basic and direct: beating up, theft, sex and murder being the main offences. But as towns and manufacturing and commerce grew, the possibilities for cheating and fraud soared. The whole organisation of society became more complex and opened the door to a world of more sophisticated wickedness. With no regular police force, spies and informers were offered rewards when they brought in criminals.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions that follow:
(i) Trace the rulers that ruled England over centuries. [1]
Answer:
England came first under the rule of Romans, followed by Saxons and then by Normans.
(ii) Which of the following statements are not true? [1]
(a) In the quest for justice the guilty often went unpunished.
(b) For seven hundred years from the sixth century trial was mostly rough.
(c) Swearing value of a priest was equal to a dozen ordinary peasants.
(d) Use of champions in a trial by battle finds an equivalent in the modem times.
Answer:
(b) For seven hundred years from the sixth century trial was mostly rough.
(iii) Study the following statements: [1]
(a) Romans were proud of their judicial system.
(b) There is not much difference between the Norman and modern system of justice.
(A) (a) and (c)
(B) (b) and (d)
(C) (c) and (d)
(D) (a) and (b)
Answer:
(C) (c) and (d)
Explanation:
The Romans had a highly sophisticated system of courts and their members were well educated. The modern system of justice, too, has both the qualities. Hence, both ‘a’ and ‘b’ are correct.
(iv) Complete the given statement appropriately: [1]
The article essentially describes ________.
Answer:
The development of the system of justice in England.
Explanation:
The system of justice in England developed with the passage of time which has been described in the given passage.
(v) Study the following statements: [1]
(I) In a trial by battle, money played a main role.
(II) God helped the innocent win the battle.
(A) (I) is right and (II) is wrong.
(B) (II) is right and (I) is wrong.
(C) Both (I) and (II) are right and (I) was the conclusion.
(D) Both (I) and (II) are right and (I) was not the conclusion
Answer:
(A) (I) is right and (II) is wrong.
Explanation:
Para 4 clearly conveys that whoever could pay more for a stronger professional fighter stood a good chance of winning and being judged innocent.
(vi) Based on the reading of the passage, throw light in 40 words, on the two contradictory aspects of Saxon systems. [2]
Answer:
They were rough and noble. Even an innocent person would be held guilty if enough people did not swear for him and then the convict would be subjected to torture.
(vii) Why does the author say that there is not much difference between the Saxon judiciary system and the modern system? Give your response in about 40 words. [2]
Answer:
The Norman judiciary system allowed both the opposing parties hire champions who would fight on their – behalf and whoever could pay the more for a stronger professional fighter stood a good chance of winning. This is in parallel to the modern system of hiring a costly and brilliant barrister to defend the accused.
(viii) The author’s use of the word: [1]
‘any glimmering of civilization’
‘Glimmering’ in the above expression has been used as a metaphor. Glimmering stands for __________.
Answer:
The word ‘glimmer’ mean ‘shine’. There was a shining great hope of a civilization.
Question 2.
Read the following passage carefully: [10 Marks]
- The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation and is based on the fortune of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor and entrepreneur. The Nobel prize is awarded for the best contribution in the
fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature and to the person who has contributed by and large to bring Peace on Earth. In 1968, Sweden’s central bank established the Sveriges Riksbank’s Prize in Economic Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel. - A look into the history of the recipients of the award reveals that only 57 women have received the award compared to 873 male recipients. There are various historical reasons for why this is the case, but the trend appears to be improving.
- Goran Hansson, the permanent secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said, “While more women are being recognised now compared with previous decades, only about 10% of the professors in natural sciences in western Europe or North America are women, and even lower if you go to east Asia.” All over the world, the number of men working in STEM fields is much higher than the number of women.
- Hansson emphasised that they have made sure to identify the problem and also learn about subconscious bias in the prize-awarding committees and academies. “We’ve had lectures by sociologists, we’ve had group discussions, we have put quite a lot of effort into it,” he said.
- “In the end, we will give the prize to those who are found the most worthy, those who have made the most important contributions,” he added.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions that follow:
(i) According to the passage, what is the reason for the gender disparity among Nobel Prize recipients? Answer in about 40 words. [2]
Answer:
The reason for gender disparity is historical. However, it may also be due to subconscious bias in the prize-awarding committees and academies. As per paragraph-II, only 57 women have received the award compared to 873 male recipients.
(ii) Based on the passage, what efforts are being made by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to address the low representation of female scientists? [1]
Answer:
The Academy is consciously awarding female scientists from the 2000’s.
(iii) Examine in about 40 words the observation of Goran Hanson in the trend of recognition awarded. [2]
Answer:
Goran Hansson observes although more women are being recognised now compared with previous decades, only about 10% of the professors in natural sciences in western Europe or North America are women, and even lower if you go to east Asia.
(iv) According to Goran Hansson, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences __________. [1]
(A) researches the cause of gender discrepancy in Nobel prize nominations
(B) nominates fewer men for prestigious awards like the Nobel prize
(C) awards the Nobel prize to the most famous contributors
(D) selects individuals who are not prejudiced in any way
Answer:
(A) researches the cause of gender discrepancy in Nobel prize nominations
(v) Which of these pieces of information is NOT present in the passage? [1]
(A) number of Nobel prizes given in the year 2009.
(B) number of men who have received Nobel prizes till date.
(C) percentage of male scientists belonging to eastern countries.
(D) percentage of female scientists belonging to western countries.
Answer:
(C) percentage of male scientists belonging to eastern countries.
(vi) What can be inferred from the graph showing the number of women Nobel laureates by decade? [1]
Answer:
It can be observed that since 1961, women Nobel laureates have been increasing steadily every decade. The number has gradually increased from 4 to 13 since 1991 to 2019.
(vii) Identify the opinion from these statements about the information shared in the passage. [1]
(A) The Nobel prizes have been awarded to more men than women.
(B) Alfred Nobel’s wealth is used to award the Nobel prizes to the winners.
(C) The Nobel prize was awarded for the best contribution in only four fields initially.
(D) Women in general are more inclined to working on world peace than on other subjects.
Answer:
(D) Women in general are more inclined to working on world peace than on other subjects.
(viii) The maximum number of Women Nobel Laureates was recorded in ___________. [1]
(A) 1991-2000
(B) 2001-2010
(C) 2010-2019
(D) 2020
Answer:
(C) 2010-2019
Section – B
Writing Skills & Grammar (20 Marks)
Grammar (1 x 10 = 10)
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
This is with reference to your advertisement _______________ (publish) in the Times of India date 8 May 2023. [1]
Answer:
published
(ii) Read the given sentence. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence. [1]
When she put her hand on your head to blessed you, you can feel her love.
Use the given format for your response.
Error | Correction |
Answer:
Error | Correction |
Blessed | Bless |
(iii) Sujata and Simran had a conversation. Report Sujata’s question.
When will your mother be back from her trip? [1]
Answer:
Sujata asked Simran when her mother would be back from her trip.
(iv) Read the dialogue between Ganesh and Dr. Gautam.
Ganesh: Dr. my wife is unwell. May I know what will be the total expenses on her treatment?
Dr. Gautam: Well, you will have to pay only six lacs for her treatment.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
Ganesh told Dr. Gautam that his wife was unwell. He asked the Dr. ___________ Gautam told him that he would have to pay only six lacs for her treatment.’ [1]
(A) if he may know what will be the total expenses.
(B) if he might know what would be the total expenses.
(C) if he might knew what the total expenses will be.
(D) if he may know what are the told expenses.
Answer:
(B) if he might know what would be the total expenses.
(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the given statement:
It’s a closely connected world out _________ (here/then/there) where children consult and guide each other. [1]
Answer:
there
(vi) 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. [1]
Error | Correction |
Answer:
Error | Correction |
Was | is |
(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a news report:
Last week a child was not allowed to board the plane at Ranchi airport. [1]
Option No. | Error | Correction |
A | child | children |
B | last | previous |
C | the | a |
D | at | in |
Answer:
C – the, a is correct
(viii) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the given sentence about Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
The Caves of Ajanta and Ellora are the Magnificent Works of Sculpture. Whoever goes there _____________ spellbound. [1]
(A) becomes
(B) become
(C) becoming
(D) has
Answer:
(A) becomes
(ix) Read the conversation between Ranbir and policeman. Complete the sentence by reporting the patient’s reply correctly. [1]
Ranbir: Where is my car? I remember parking it here.
Policeman: The car has been towed away as you parked it in the ‘no parking zone’.
Ranbir asked the policeman standing there where his car was and added that he remembered parking it there. The policeman replied that the car ____________ parked it in the ‘no parking zone’.
Answer:
had been towed away as he had
(x) Choose the option that completes the sentence below correctly:
She had already begun eating her dinner by the time I ___________ there. [1]
(A) reached
(B) had reached
(C) was reaching
(D) had been reaching
Answer:
(A) reached
(xi) Complete the line from the poem written by Alfred Lord Tennyson with the correct option.
I come from haunts of coot and hern I make a sudden salty And sparkle out among the fern To ________ down a valley. [1]
(A) bickers
(B) had bickered
(C) will bicker
(D) bicker
Answer:
(D) bicker
(xii) 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. [1]
Error | Correction |
Answer:
Error | Correction |
has | had |
Writing [10 Marks]
NOTE: All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.
Question 4.
(A) You are Rohit/Rohini of A-45, Pitampura, Delhi. You observed that the subways in Delhi are seldom used by pedestrians who are always trying to cut across traffic. You have decided to write a letter to the editor of ‘Hindustan Times’ highlighting the dire need of creating awareness about it. Based on the points given along with your own ideas write a letter in 100-120 words.
TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION
- infrastructure unutilised
- pedestrians prone to accidents
- accumulation of stagnant water/garbage in subways
- need for improvement and regular cleanliness under proper supervision. [5]
Answer:
A-45 Pitampura
Delhi
1 March 20XX
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
Delhi
Sir,
Sub: Pedestrians not using subways
Through the columns of your esteemed paper, I would like to draw the attention of one and all towards to the under-utilisation of subways by pedestrians.
We know that there are subways available across Delhi for pedestrians to use and commute safely when on foot. However, these subways are often not used and these facilities go unutilised, making them an unnecessary burden on the government. The reasons why pedestrians avoid using subways are the poor maintenance of the subways. Often water stagnation and garbage are seen in these subways that may lead to accidents and therefore, subways are avoided. It is important that subways be cleaned on a daily basis and maintained by painting them and making them amicable for pedestrians to use. This will solve a lot of traffic issues and make commuting safer for pedestrians.
I hope that the concerned authorities will take action soon.
Thank you
Yours truly,
Rohini
OR
(B) You are Shivam/Shivani of C-12, Janakpuri, Indore. You wish to make a pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath and Haridwar with your family of six. Write a letter to R.K. Travels, enquiring about the schedule of their conducted tour by Deluxe buses to these places. Ask about the charges, boarding and lodging arrangements and the total time needed for the tour. (Word limit 100-120 words) [5]
Answer:
C-12 Janakpuri
Indore
1 March 20XX
The Manager
R.K. Travels
Indore
Sub: Enquiry about the Pilgrimage Tour
Sir/ Madam,
I am Shivani and would like to travel with my family to Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Haridwar. I came to know that you arrange for such pilgrimage tours and was given your reference by a friend.
We, a family of six, would like to take this pilgrimage tour and need the details of the tour and the deluxe buses plying to and from these places. Please provide the details of the tour, including the charges for a family of six and also the boarding and lodging arrangements that are provided. I would also like to know the duration of the tour to plan my travel accordingly. Kindly send the details at the earliest.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely,
Shivani
Question 5.
Gurmeet Kaur is an aspiring candidate for a public-funded engineering college in the suburbs. She belongs to a nearby village, has minimal technological skills and exposure, has the required cut-off percentage, and is looking for a complete or partial scholarship.
Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words, analyzing her SWOT notes to support your stand on whether she should join/not join the college. [5]
Answer:
In support of the decision: The given information illustrates the options Gurmeet would weigh in order to take the right decision about her admission in a public-funded engineering college. With availability of strong curriculum, quality faculty and vibrant Activity Clubs, she will be assured of an enriching educational ‘ journey. Though hostel facility is unavailable, she may take up accommodation in the suburbs or choose to travel daily from her village. Good opportunities of practice-based research, partnership with professional companies and international students exchange program will enhance her professional and interpersonal skills. Hard work, responsible behavior and prudent decision-making could help Gurmeet thrive in the college even though it has a rigid and conventional culture. The strengths and opportunities work in favor of Gurmeet. Taking this opportunity will allow her to mend the incorrect public perception towards public-funded colleges and students’ outlook towards technical subjects. (129 words)
Against the decision: The given information indicates Gurmeet’s dilemma about seeking admission in a public-funded college. Though equipped with a strong curriculum, engaging activity clubs and an able faculty, the college lacks diversity and good conduct among the students, giving rise to concerns of safe environment for a novice like Gurmeet. The under utilization of IT services will be further detrimental to the progress of Gurmeet’s educational journey and add to extra costs related to research work. If she does not qualify for a complete or partial scholarship, the arrangement of own accommodation and additional expense of students exchange programme will increase her expenditure, too. Such a college environment may dampen her endeavoring spirit. The weakness and threats outweigh the strengths, in case of Gurmeet. So, it is recommended that Gurmeet does not apply for admission to the said college. (139 words)
OR
(B) Read the following excerpt from an online post of a website on educational practices.
Kids who appreciate how much effort, time and care goes into growing food will understand how important farmers are, and why it’s important to take care of our Earth. In the world of today, gardening needs to be given more importance than sports, music and dance in all schools because it creates environmental stewards and outdoor learning laboratories that help the child and community for years to come.
Write a paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the given argument.
You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include rationale/evidence that would strengthen/counter the given argument. [5]
Answer:
Argument FOR the subject of the statement: In the world of today, gardening needs to be given more importance than sports, music and dance in all schools. While sports, music and dance contribute towards personal growth, the current times mandate attention towards an issue that is global — nature and natural processes. With growing food wastage in many homes today and the urban young believing that vegetables are grown, harvested at the super markets, the efforts of the farmers are discredited. Gardening at school will open a world of first-hand learning experiences of sowing, watering and harvesting processes. Waiting for the saplings to grow will inculcate sensitivity, patience, empathy, gratitude and value for one’s hard work. They will feel accountable for their piece of Mother Earth, resulting in making them efficient and enterprising environmental stewards. Unlike sports, music or dance, gardening goes beyond just enjoyment to create aware and responsible citizens of the future. (148 words).
Argument AGAINST the subject of the statement: Gardening, certainly, should not be given precedence over sports, music and dance in all schools. Gardening at school requires good planning with hands-6n guidance and continued supervision by the teachers. Students tend to lose interest due to the slow and natural growth progress of plants as well as the investment of continuous hard work Small targets or goals would be missing whereas the danger of destruction of their work due to rains, intrusion of grazing animals or a pest attack is like to set in a feeling of defeat. It may be noted that sports, music and dance are uplifting activities which display faster results, are enjoyable and inculcate team spirit, collaboration and confidence. Unlike gardening, setbacks in these activities can be addressed with some sense of personal control. These activities help students express and de-stress successfully. So, maintaining their due importance in the school’s co-curriculum is imperative. (148 words)
Section-C (40 Marks)
Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text
Question 6.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given. [5 Marks]
(A) “Tell me another!” scoffed Pranjol.
“We have an Indian legend too. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk, banished sleep.”
“Tea was first drunk in China,” Rajvir added, “as far back as 2700 B.C.! In fact, words such as tea, chai and chini are from the Chinese. Tea came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and was drunk more as medicine than as beverage.”
(i) The main idea of this extract is: [1]
(A) Tea is a popular beverage in Europe and how it spread.
(B) Origin of tea in India and why it became popular in Europe.
(C) Importance of India in popularising tea and influencing Europe.
(D) Indian legend on tea and how it travelled from China to Europe.
Answer:
(D) Indian legend on tea and how it travelled from China to Europe.
(ii) Why do you think Pranjol ‘scoffed’? [1]
Answer:
Pranjol scoffed because he was amused and tickled at what Rajvir shared.
(iii) What is the Indian legend regarding the discovery of tea? [2]
Answer:
The Indian legend regarding the discovery of tea is that Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic amputated his eyelids because he experienced sleepiness when meditating. The eyelids sprouted ten tea plants. When these plants’ leaves were steeped in hot water and consumed, sleep was banished.
(iv) Based on the inference from the extract, which of these is NOT TRUE about tea drinking in the sixteenth-century Europe? [1]
Dr. Smith is a doctor of sixteenth-century Europe.
(A) Dr. Smith encouraged drinking of green tea whenever available, to reduce chances of tooth loss.
(B) Dr. Smith prescribed regular tea drinking to all his patients with a weak heart.
(C) Dr. Smith always served tea as a refreshment when he had guests, as they all enjoyed this beverage.
(D) Dr. Smith usually recommended black tea to reduce inflammation in the body.
Answer:
(C) Dr. Smith always served tea as refreshment when he had guests, as they all enjoyed this beverage.
Explanation:
In 16th century Europe, tea was consumed as a medicine and not as a beverage.
OR
(B) “What’s the matter with you, you fool”? shouted Ramlal. “I am only taking you to school.” [5]
Then he told his wife, “Let her wear some decent clothes today or else what will the teachers and the other school girls think of us when they see her?
New clothes had never been made for Bholi. The Old Dresses of her Sisters were passed on to her. No one cared to mend or wash her clothes. But today, she was lucky to receive a Clean Dress which had shrunk after many washings and no longer fitted Champa. She was even bathed and oil was rubbed into her dry and matted hair. Only then did she believe that she was being taken to a Place better than her Home! When they reached the School, the Children were already in their Classrooms.”
(i) Why did Ramlal call Bholi a fool? [1]
Answer:
This was because Bholi shouted in fear and pulled her hand away.
(ii) Pick the sentence that brings out the meaning of ‘decent’ as used in the extract. [2]
(A) He gets a decent amount of salary.
(B) One must be decent when having a conversation with strangers.
(C) She was dressed in a decent manner for the interview.
(D) It was very decent of him to lend me some money.
Answer:
(C) She was dressed in a decent manner for the interview.
(iii) Pick the option that best describes how Bholi felt at the end of her first day in school. [1]
(A) Lost and scared
(B) Calm and Peaceful
(C) Elated and Peaceful
(D) Hopeful and Elated
Answer:
(D) Hopeful and Elated
(iv) Bholi was a neglected child. Justify. [1]
Answer:
Bholi was a neglected child because she never got new clothes to wear. She was always passed on the old dresses of her sisters. Her clothes were not even washed or mended by anyone.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given. [5 Marks]
Question 7.
“I heard an old religious man
But yesternight declare
That he had found a text to prove
That only God, my dear,
Could love you for yourself alone
And not your yellow hair.”
(i) A compound word from the extract is___________. [1]
Answer:
Yesternight
(ii) How is God’s love different from the love of young lovers? [2]
Answer:
God’s love is superior to all other love, for it is unconditional. It is not for the physical beauty whereas young people go after physical appearance and not the internal beauty.
(iii) Choose the option that displays the likely image of the man mentioned in the extract. [1]
(A) option1
(B) option 2
(C) option 3
(D) option 4
Answer:
(C) option 3
(iv) Choose the phrase that best represents, ‘love you for yourself alone” [1]
(A) Unconditional love
(B) Unseemly love
(C) Unrequited love
(D) Understated love
Answer:
(A) Unconditional love
OR
(B) Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
(i) Choose the CORRECT statement about the given poem. [1]
(A) Fire and ice are images — they help the readers visualize the power of nature over man.
(B) Fire and ice are symbols — not of natural disasters, but of humanity’s ability to create disasters of its own.
(C) Fire and ice are elements — not of Nature but man-made and possess the ability to create havoc for mankind.
(D) Fire and ice are agents—they change the thinking of mankind from negative to positive and bring harmony.
Answer:
(B) Fire and ice are symbols — not of natural disasters, but of humanity’s ability to create disasters of its own.
(ii) Select the option that correctly classifies the connotations for fire and ice, as suggested in the poem. [1]
(1) rage
(2) violence
(3) indifference
(4) hate
(5) greed
(A) Fire – 3, 4; Ice – 1, 2, 5
(B) Fire – 2, 5; Ice – 1, 3, 4
(C) Fire – 1, 3, 5; Ice – 2, 4
(D) Fire – 1, 2, 4; Ice – 3, 5
Answer:
(D) Fire – 1, 2, 4; Ice – 3, 5
Explanation:
In the poem, the ‘fire’ has been used as a symbol to denote aggressive emotions like rage (anger), violence and hate. The ‘ice’ has been used as a symbol to denote pacifying emotions like indifference and greed.
(iii) The poem is a ____________, put across by the poet. [1]
Answer:
powerful warning
Explanation:
The poet has warned in the poem that the world will end due to the escalation of negative human emotions like greed, hate, violence, rage, and indifference.
(iv) What do the words Fire and Ice stand for? Name the poetic devices used in lines 1 and 2. [2]
Answer:
The word Fire stands for greed, avarice, desires, etc. whereas Ice stands for hatred, indifference, cruelty, etc.
The poetic devices used in line 2 are anaphora and alliteration.
Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions in about 40-50 words each. (4 x 3 = 12)
Question 8.
(A) What did Kisa Gotami do after the death of her only son? [3]
Answer:
After the death of her only son, Kisa Gotami went door to door asking for a drug that could cure her son. She was overwhelmed with grief and was unable to come to terms with the death of her son.
(B) What are the raindrops compared to and why? [3]
Answer:
Raindrops have been compared to coins because the raindrops like money helped in harvesting and growing crops. This in turn leads to prosperity like money helps make more money.
(C) How is the Goan baker still an important part of the life of a Goan village? [3]
Answer:
Goan baker is still an important part of the life of a Goan village as the baker keeps up the old Portuguese tradition and culture. The baker also provides the village people with bread, sandwiches and cakes.
(D) How did Chubukov react when Lomov asked for the hand of his daughter in marriage? [3]
Answer:
Chubukov was very happy when Lomov asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Chubukov embraced Lomov and had tears of happiness in his eyes. He also sought blessing of God for Lomov and his daughter.
(E) What does the line “never let down my bright hair” tell us about Amanda? [3]
Answer:
The above line tells us about Amanda that she doesn’t want to be with anyone. Her desire is to be alone like an orphan in a tall tower where nobody can approach her. She doesn’t even want to be always nagged by her parents and listen to her mother scolding.
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in about 40-50 words each
Question 9.
(A) Dr. Herriot knew his patients as well as their owners really well. Discuss. (The Triumph of surgery) [3]
Answer:
Dr. Herriot knew his patients as well as their owners really well. Dr. Herriot could understand the problems of his patients (dogs) just by observing them. When he saw Tricki in the market, he understood that the dog required help.
He understood the owner (Mrs.Pumphrey) also very well. Even though he knew fully well that she was responsible for Tricki’s pathetic condition yet he never spoke any harsh and advising words on the seriously obese dog. He
truly understood her love for her loving dog.
(B) State one likely reason the writer of The Midnight Visitor chose to characterize Ausable as short and fat. [3]
Answer:
Ausable was characterized as short and fat as the writer wants to draw attention to and emphasize his wits and mental ability to handle any grave situation. Ausable was able to successfully plant a story of a non-existent balcony and also made the agile and smart Max believe that it didn’t require an attractive physique to do this.
The writer, perhaps, wanted to give a strong message that the brain is what counts more than muscle power or
the brain power is far more potent and effective than any other type of power-muscle or arms, etc.
(C) Validate the importance of small, fun learning tasks towards successful careers, in the context of Richard Ebright in The Making ofa Scientist. [3]
Answer:
Richard Ebright started the collection and breeding of butterflies as a fun activity. He got curious about the gold spots and the secretion from them. He was able to develop a theory of cell structure and later DNA because of it.
Thus, fun learning resulted in his career as a renowned successful scientist.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 40-50 words each. (1 X 6 = 6)
Question 10.
(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]
Answer:
It is a fact that the human life is mortal. It is brief and has pain. Death is a reality which has to be accepted by one and all. As ripe fruits are early in danger of falling, so mortals when born are always in danger of death. Whether its’s a young or an adult, fools or wise, all are subject to death. After the death of her child, Kisa Gotami learnt that death is inevitable and cannot be reversed. Whether somebody accepts it willingly or unwillingly, it’s a fact which needs to be accepted. When she roamed around in the village from house to house, she found that there was no house where the members were immortal. Those who have taken birth are bound to die one or the other day. Just like ripe fruits are likely to fall apart one day, similarly humans also go far away after dying. Fruit once fallen from a tree cannot be put back similarly the human life once gone cannot be brought back. Thus, Kisa Gotami concluded after the Budhha made her learn indirectly that death is inevitable for all the
living creatures on this earth.
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:
No one is truly born hating a person due to their skin, background or religion. It is the society that teaches one to be hateful against someone. The people need to be taught to hate someone. This means they can be taught to love too. In the chapter Nelson Mandela- Long walk to freedom, Nelson Mandela seems to be quite optimistic and says that even when he and his mates were pushed to their limits in prison, he still
could see a ray of goodness and shine in the eyes of one of the guards which was enough to motivate him
to keep going in the freedom struggle.
Love comes more naturally to human heart than hatred. If people are taught to spread love amongst each other then issues like religious riots and other man-made discriminations will surely no longer be persisting in the society. We are all born under the same sky and in the same world. Thus, all of us deserve equal rights and integrity to fulfill our obligations.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 100-120 words each (1 X 6 = 6)
Question 11.
(A) Imagine that Griffin has been caught by the police and is produced in court. He needs to defend himself and prove that he is not guilty of the charges.
As Griffin, prepare a statement that you would use in court to prove your innocence.
You may begin like this:
I plead not guilty.
I have been accused of.., however… [6]
Answer:
Griffin: I plead not guilty-1 have been accused of violence and cruelty by the people of Iping. However I deny all the charges. I didn’t hurt anyone intentionally I had no ill will against anyone. The circumstances, somehow, were such that I had to be violent or cruel in order to save myself. I have been accused of robbery at the clergyman’s house. My problem was that Mrs. Hall was nudging me all the time to pay the rent. I told her so many times that I was waiting for my cheque and would pay when the cheque arrived. But she became impatient and I had to rob the clergyman in order to get money. Once I attacked the shopkeeper from behind and robbed him of all the money. But it was because I wanted to escape from that place. Thus, I plead that I am innocent and all these points must be taken into consideration before announcing any judgement.
Thank you.
OR
(B) Based on the given context, write a diary entry, as the narrator, on what you experienced and the possible reason for it.
I should have been able to jump into one of the carriages, but I hesitated — for some reason I can’t explain — and
I lost the chance to get away. [6]
Answer:
12 June 2023
I should have been able to jump into one of the carriages, but I hesitated — for some reason I can’t explain — and I lost the chance to get away perhaps God has some good plans for me this time. That’s why I can’t feel the pleasure of stealing six hundreds rupees. Instead, I’m feeling guilty of having violated the trust that Anil had reposted on me. That’s why I could not board the train. Anil always treated me like his friend. I too, valued Anil’s friendship feelings for me. But after discovering the theft, I’m sure, Anil would not be sad for the loss of money, but for loss of trust. The only person I knew and who could help me was Anil whom I had robbed a few hours ago. I robbed that person who was so large-hearted and the one who wanted me to get educated so that I, too, could earn respect, name and money. Alas! God, forbid me and my sins.