Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions and marking scheme Set 5 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Set 5 with Solutions
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- The Question Paper contains THREE Sections – 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) Hobbies help us grow as a person. The best way to have a new hobby is to try something new. All of us are unique, and this is the reason why our hobbies and interests are different. Once we find an activity we are passionate about, we can explore that activity more. When you get hooked, you will realize that your hobby has become an integral part of your life. Having a hobby that we enjoy brings us joy and refreshes us. Hobbies help us to manage our leisure and unplanned time more productively. It also affords you the opportunity to learn new skills in your work. But these are not the only benefits of having a hobby.
(2) It feels great to be skilled and good at something, doesn’t it? And this is what that makes you confident. It can take some time to develop your hobby so that you may be able to tell that you are skilled. But, the journey of experiencing your hobby is very rewarding in itself. With the exposure to different types of activities these days, it doesn’t matter which activity you choose. Whether you are pursuing a craft, sports, puzzles, or skill development, your hobby should be a diversion and a passion. Simultaneously, if your hobby gives you a sense of purpose, then you will be more confident about challenging yourself in your hobby and help you prepare for learning new
things at work.
(3) Hobbies give you an opportunity to enhance your life. Hobbies allow you to de-stress yourself while remaining mentally productive. Having hobbies promotes better health and may lower the risk of having high blood pressure. Enjoying a few hours of your hobby a week can also reduce the risk of depression and dementia. Hobbies refocus your mind on to something that you enjoy doing. Hobbies that include physical activities create chemical changes in your body that help to reduce stress.
(4) Even if it doesn’t involve physical activities, you can still reap the benefits of having a hobby.Getting a short break from work and doing something you are passionate about can rejuvenate your mind and help prepare you to handle challenges in the future in a better way.
(5) Hobbies may provide an opportunity for you to socialize with people and that can be an additional benefit for your overall well-being. You can connect with people who enjoy doing the same things that you do. You can meet new people, discuss your hobby and get connected to a bigger circle that may even help you turn your hobby into your profession. The internet provides numerous groups and forums to connect with people that enjoy doing the same things that you want to do.
(6) Some hobbies require creativity and if you develop creativity through your hobby, it can be beneficial. Creativity can help you experience new things at school and work. The skill of being creative is essential in today’s world.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) When a person becomes enthusiastic about a hobby, he realizes that: [1]
(A) it has become an essential part of our life.
(B) it has much more benefits than we realized.
(C) it is much more enjoyable to have a hobby.
(D) it is quite essential for us to learn some skills through our hobbies.
Answer:
(A) it has become an essential part of our life.
Explanation:
Para 1- When you get hooked, you will realize that your hobby has become an integral part of your life.
(ii) No matter which sort of hobby you are pursuing, be it a craft, sports, puzzles, or skill development, your hobby should be: [1]
(A) useful for you in the long run.
(B) a skill that improves your present circumstances.
(C) a deviation and an urge.
(D) followed through till the end.
Answer:
(C) a deviation and an urge.
Explanation:
Para 2- Whether you are pursuing a craft, sports, puzzles, or skill development, your hobby should be a diversion and a passion.
(iii) Following a hobby diligently is quite: [1]
(A) challenging for a person.
(B) rewarding in itself.
(C) demanding in itself.
(D) inspirational for a person.
Answer:
(B) rewarding in itself.
Explanation:
Para 2- But, the journey of experiencing your hobby is very rewarding in itself.
(iv) Hobbies allow you to de-stress yourself while remaining ___________. [1]
Answer:
Mentally productive.
(v) Prove that indulging in a hobby can be therapeutic [1]
Answer:
Hobbies allow you to de-stress yourself while remaining mentally productive. Having hobbies promotes better health and may lower the risk of having high blood pressure. Enjoying a few hours of your hobby a week can also reduce the risk of depression and dementia. Hobbies that include physical activities create chemical changes in your body that help to reduce stress.
(vi) Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in about 40 words, that ‘Creativity is the mother of invention’. [2]
Answer:
The skill of being creative is essential in today’s world. If a person is creative, his explorations will help him innovate. This way he will be more confident about challenging himself and help himself get involved with new skill-sets thereby giving rise to unique inventions.
(vii) Getting a hobby means having a short break from work and doing something you are passionate about which can: [1]
(A) give you a peace of mind from all the other problems of daily hectic life and make you feel refreshed.
(B) help you enhance and improve your skills and push you forward on your path to success.
(C) make you enjoy and appreciate your life much more as you are happy pursuing what you love.
(D) rejuvenate your mind and help prepare you to handle challenges in the future in a better way.
Answer:
(D) rejuvenate your mind and help prepare you to handle challenges in the future in a better way.
Explanation:
Para 4- Getting a short break from work and doing something you are passionate about can rejuvenate your mind and help prepare you to handle challenges in the future in a better way.
(viii) Justify the following: [2]
Hobby prepares you for a better tomorrow.
Answer:
Hobbies help us to manage our leisure and unplanned time more productively. It also affords us the opportunity to learn new skills in our work. Getting a short break from work and doing something we are passionate about can rejuvenate our mind and help prepare us to handle challenges in the future in a better way.
Question 2.
Read the following passage carefully: [10 Marks]
(1) Conference series LLC Ltd organises a conference series of 1000+ global events inclusive of 300+ conferences, 900+ upcoming and previous symposiums and workshops in USA, Europe and Asia with support from 1000 more scientific societies and publishes 700+ open access journals which contain over 30000 eminent personalities, reputed scientists as Editorial board members.
(2) Recycling and Waste Management Convention 2018 proudly invites contributors across the globe to 9th World Convention on Recycling and Waste Management during October 22-23, 2018 in Osaka, Japan, which includes prompt keynote presentations, oral talks, poster presentations and exhibitions.
(3) We are delighted to say that it is the 9th World Convention on Recycling and Waste Management which will be held in a beautiful city of Osaka, Japan and hence we invite you all to attend and register.
(4) 9th World Convention on Recycling and Waste Management is mainly based on the theme “Advocating Waste Disposal and Recycling Practices for Clean and Green Environment.” We warmly welcome all the participants – leading scientists, researchers and scholars of the world to attend the convention. We provide a platform for young researchers and students to present their research through oral presentations through which they can develop a foundation for collaboration among young researchers.
(5) The organizing committee aims at setting a platform for all the budding scientists and researchers to present their real-time work and share their views and aspects related to the theme of the conference. The organizing committee is gearing up for an exciting and informative conference program including plenary lecture, symposia, workshops on a variety of topics, poster presentations and various programs for participants from all over the world.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) Infer one reason for the following, based on information in the passage.
Waste management and recycling it. [1]
Answer:
Leaving behind the quality of environment free from pollution.
(ii) Select the appropriate option to fill in the blanks. _________ has been considered as the second nature to us. [1]
(A) Sorting of waste
(B) Recycling of waste
(C) Waste management
(D) Implementing steps framed and deployed inconvention
Answer:
(B) Recycling of waste
Explanation:
The passage talks about recycling of waste.
(iii) What theme is being highlighted in the given passage? [1]
(A) Efficient means of reducing garbage
(B) Various techniques to be employed to recycle the goods
(C) Efficient ways of waste disposal
(D) Both (B) and (C)
Answer:
(D) Both (B) and (C)
Explanation:
The passage talks about various techniques to be employed to recycle the goods and efficient ways of waste disposal.
(iv) Which of the following notion in the conference has been emphasized to be deployed? [1]
(A) Waste disposal management >
(B) Waste management
(C) Recycling of goods
(D) Reshaping Earth’s future
Answer:
(A) Waste disposal management >
Explanation:
Para 4- 9th World Convention on Recycling and Waste Management is mainly based on the theme “Advocating Waste Disposal and Recycling Practices for Clean and Green Environment”.
(v) According to the pie-chart, approximately two-fifths of the total recycling is conducted for ___________ [1]
Answer:
Paper waste (39% or approximately 40% that accounts to two-fifths.)
(vi) Substitute the word ‘present’ with ONE WORD similar in meaning, in the following sentence from paragraph 3.
We provide a platform for young researchers and students to present their research. [1]
Answer:
Display/exhibit/show/depict
(vii) List any two points that the given data represents. [2]
Answer:
(a) The increasing trend of recycling and waste management.
(b) The amount and degree of recycled waste.
(viii) What has been considered as an efficient means to reduce landfill area? [2]
Answer:
Sorting of waste and recycling or composting waste are effective measures to reduce waste from reaching the landfills.
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 choosing the correct option to complete the sentence.
The boys _________ to my lecture since 8 O’clock this morning. [1]
(A) were listening
(B) have been listening
(C) had been listening
(D) None of these
Answer:
(B) have been listening
Explanation:
Present perfect continuous tense to be used with ‘since’ and ‘this morning’
(ii) Read the conversation between a mother and her daughter. Complete the sentence by reporting daughter’s reply correctly.
Mother: Why are you looking so worried?
Daughter: My exams are approaching.
Mother asked her daughter why she was looking very worried. The daughter replied ___________. [1]
Answer:
That her exams were approaching.
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line.
I ___________ rather die than join the gang of terrorists. [1]
(A) could
(B) should
(C) would
(D) can
Answer:
(C) would
Explanation:
Conditional IL The type 2 conditional refers to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable result.
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:
A few political thinkers think that liberty and equality can’t go together. [1]
Option | Error | Correction |
(A) | can’t | couldn’t |
(B) | think | thinks |
(C) | A little | Some |
(D) | go | goes |
Answer:
Option | Error | Correction |
(C) | A little | Some |
Explanation:
Countable norm- political thinkers.
(v) Complete the given sentence, by filling in the blank with the correct option:
They met you at night after you ___________ your work. [1]
(A) had finished
(B) have finished
(C) finished
(D) will finish
Answer:
(A) had finished
Explanation:
Simple Past + Past Perfect- 2 consecutive actions in the past.
(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.
Chris, in addition to his brother Zack, ___________ (play) hockey on Saturday. [1]
Answer:
Plays
Explanation:
Verb will agree with the main subject outside the comma.
(vii) Report the dialogue between a doctor and a patient by completing the sentence:
Doctor: You should take this medicine every day.
Patient: Should I take it before dinner or after dinner?
Doctor: No, you should take it after the breakfast.
The Doctor advised the patient that he should take that medicine every day. The patient further asked if he should take it before dinner or after dinner. The doctor replied negatively and then said __________. [1]
Answer:
That he should take it after the breakfast.
Explanation:
Should’ remains the same.
(viii) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
Some guys like to fights on even playing grounds, and some guys like to cheat.
Use the given format for your response. [1]
Error | Correction |
Answer:
Error | Correction |
Fights | Fight |
(ix) Transform the following direct speech into reported speech: [1]
He asked, “Will you be coming?”
Answer:
He asked if I would be coming.
Explanation:
(Yes/ No type question)
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence.
My class teacher told me that I ___________ work hard. [1]
(A) shall
(B) could
(C) can
(D) should
Answer:
(D) should
Explanation:
advice.
(xi) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Radha and Shikha.
Radha : Do you know how to swim?
Shikha : Yes I know. I have learnt it during this summer vacation.
Radha asked Shikha whether she knew how to swim. Then Shikha replied in affirmative and also added that __________. [1]
(A) she had learnt it during that summer vacation
(B) she has learnt it during this summer vacation
(C) she have learnt it during that summer vacation
(D) she had learnt it during this summer vacation
Answer:
(A) she had learnt it during that summer vacation
Explanation:
Present changes to Past, ‘this’ changes to ‘that’.
(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
Every people went to welcome the Indian Cricket team. [1]
Error | Correction |
Answer:
Error | Correction |
Every | Many |
Explanation:
Every is followed by a singular noun.
Writing (1 x 10 = 10)
Note: All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.
Question 4.
(A) Write a letter to the Editor of The Times of India, Delhi, expressing your concern over the increase in the rate of road accident, rash driving and overcrowded road transport. You are Priya/Priyanshu living at B-47 Avas Vikas, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. [5]
Answer:
B-47 Avas Vikas
Mayur Vihar
NewDelhi
22 November 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject: Increasing cases of road accidents; rash driving and overcrowding
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to express the anguish of the general public over the increasing number of road accidents, cases of rash driving and the problem of over crowding in the buses.
The bus drivers have no regard for the traffic rules.They drive vary rash under the influence of liquors. They even jump the red light signals installed on the roads.
Still the private bus operators stop at unauthorized stops. The uncontrollable speed and race with other buses is the main cause of accidents. They even overtake the other buses for picking up more passengers. The conductors pack their buses to suffocation. As a result, ladies and old people are unable to get into the buses.
It requires stricter watch on the part of the traffic police. More traffic police should be employed to check the violations of the traffic rules. Proper road signals and road marks should be marked. The surprise check by traffic police in civil dress can play an effective role in booking the culprits.
Yours truly,
Priyanshu
OR
(B) You are Sudha/Sameer, a resident of Malviya Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra. You had applied for a creative writing course offered by a leading publishing house in your city. The selection committee liked your application and has sent you a letter accepting your application. They have requested for a letter of confirmation from your side along with a recent passport size photo and a self-introduction note for the first class. Write a reply to the letter in 100-120 words confirming that you will join the course. Provide all the details requested by the committee. [5]
Answer:
38, Malviya Nagar
Pune, Maharashtra
19 February 2023
The Manager
ABC Publishing House
Pune, Maharashtra
Subject: Letter of Confirmation
Sir,
This is to state that I appreciate your interest in my work. I hereby confirm my candidature for the course.
As required by your committee, I am enclosing my recent passport size photo. Also, here is my self introduction note.
My name is Sudha. I am an aspiring creative writer. I have been trying to gain experience in this niche. I have written a few advertisements for my school’s Summer Camp Radio Show and even articles for my school news-letters. One of my blogs published in a leading online magazine garnered over one thousand views.
I am here to learn and gain experience on how to create writing material that can turn eyeballs and convert
business leads into potential customers.
I hope that your guidance would create new avenues for me. Looking forward to a new learning experience.
Thank you in anticipation.
Yours sincerely,
Sudha
Question 5.
(A) The charts below show agricultural production in two different regions of the country. Write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words by selecting and reporting the main features, and making comparisons where relevant. [5]
Answer:
A clear cut comparison of the percentage of agricultural products from both the eastern and western regions of a particular country is portrayed in the given pie charts. Overall, it is clear that except in the case of meat products, the proportion of production is dissimilar in both regions. Turning to the share of agro-production in the eastern part of the country, meat stands first, with just over a third of the total (35%). Though the western region too produces the exact proportion of meat, grains occupy the topmost position there, which accounts for nearly half of the total production share (45%). When dairy products are the second most produced in the east, with 30% of the aggregate, the western region produces only its half. The gross share of vegetables and grains in the east account for 35%, with 20 and 15% respectively. The least recorded rate of agro-product in both regions is 5; in the case of vegetables and that is in the western region.
OR
(B) Given below is a newspaper report on the state of cancer prevailing in India. You have been asked to write an analytical paragraph on ‘Cancer – a silent killer’ Taking information from the clipping given below together with your own ideas, write this paragraph in 100-120 words. “In India, cities are more cancer-prone than rural areas. In the early 1990’s, we expected one out of 10- 15 urban Indians to get cancer in their lifetime, that is every second or third family would have to face this disease. This is partly due to high levels of benzene in the air and also that the metros are exposed tohigh levels of pesticides in their foods. In order to check the steady growth of cancer in the country, the Government shall have to give priority to preventive action. At the same time measures to undertake improvement in facilities for the treatment of cancer shall have to be adopted.” [5]
Answer:
It is a matter of concern that our urban population has become cancer-prone more than the rural population. It is very sad that every tenth person is likely to have cancer. It is due to high level of benzene in the air. It is also due to the high levels of pesticides in the foods. Also, highly radioactive waves of the cell-phones etc., have also contributed to this grave danger to human population. To check this menace of cancer, the Government shall have to give top-most priority to preventive actions. More facilities like Diagnostic Centers and Cancer Hospitals need to be created for the treatment of cancer patients. There is a dire need to contain this deadly disease by taking some urgent steps. First of all, we must ban the wide use of the pesticides. Excessive use of pesticides is really harmful for human health. In the developed countries, much emphasis is being laid on organic manure instead of the fertilizer. So we have to introduce organic manure. Then, the crop pattern needs to be changed. Besides this, a kind of public awareness program will have to be undertaken. Public is to be awakened towards the growth of cancer and its easy detection. This would surely help in the containing of this disease at its initial stages. If cancer is detected and treated at the early stages, it can’t be fatal.
Section-C (40 Marks)
Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given. (5 x 1=5)
Question 6.
(A) “It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a young man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honorable freedoms.” (Nelson Mandela: Hong Walk to Freedom)
(i) The title that best suits this extract is: [1]
(A) Freedom for everything
(B) Knowledge about Freedom
(C) Significance of Freedom
(D) Realization of Freedom
Answer:
(C) Significance of Freedom
Explanation:
The extract talks about the importance of freedom at different stages of life.
(ii) Why do you think the speaker mentions freedom as ‘transitory’? [1]
Answer:
The freedom is momentary and keeps, changing with time.
(iii) Choose the option that best fits the usage of the word ‘illusion’ as used in the extract. [1]
(A) He was never able to get past the illusion.
(B) The illusion I experienced was quite intriguing.
(C) A large mirror in the room creates an illusion.
(D) I was living under the illusion that this is possible.
Answer:
(D) I was living under the illusion that this is possible.
Explanation:
‘illusion’ here means misconception.
(iv) The speaker says, ‘at first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself.’ Why do you think he only thought about himself? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract. [2]
Answer:
When Mandela was a student, he was away from all the responsibilities. The world was quite fancy for him and so he could not think of a freedom which was indivisible. He was therefore too young to realize that freedom was denied to others as well. He became selfish due to lack of worldly understanding.
OR
(B) OMEGA: It shall be done, Sir. Remove vitamins. (Crew takes vitamins from boxes on their belts.) Present vitamins. (They hold vitamins out in front of them, stiffly.) Swallow vitamins. (They pop the vitamins into their mouths and gulp simultaneously. They open their eyes wide, their heads shake, and they put their hands to their foreheads.)
THINK-TANK: Excellent. Now, decipher that code.
ALL: It shall be done, Sir. (They frown over the book, turning pages.)
OMEGA: (brightly) Aha! IOTA: (brightly) Oho! OOP: (bursting into laughter) Ha, ha, ha.
THINK-TANK: What does it say? Tell me this instant. Transcribe, Omega.
(i) ‘Present’ from line 1 of the extract means. [1]
Answer:
give out /display
(ii) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the text frown: smile:: gloomily: [1]
Answer:
frown: smile: gloomily: brightly
Explanation:
Frown and smile are opposite and the opposite of gloomily is brightly.
(iii) What difficulty had they faced that they decided to pop vitamin pills? [2]
Answer:
Crew of the space probe was sent to the earth for doing research, since the Martians wanted to invade the earth. Their spacecraft landed in a library. They could not understand where they had landed and what the books were meant for. The place looked strange to them as they thought that they had landed in some kind of storage bam. As a result they popped pills.
(iv) According to the extract, what did THINK-TANK most likely want OMEGA to do when he said ‘Transcribe…? [1]
(1) read aloud
(2) translate
(3) make notes
(4) interpret
(5) record reactions
Select the correct option.
(A) 1 & 3
(B) 2 & 4
(C) Only 3
(D) 1,4 and 5
Answer:
(B) 2 & 4
Explanation:
Transcribe means translate in understandable language after interpreting the code.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given. (5 x 1=5)
Question 7.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two given. [5]
(A) If strolling forth, a beast you view,
Whose hide with spots is peppered,
As soon as he has lept on you,
You’ll know it is the Leopard.
T’will do no good to roar with pain,
He’ll only lep and lep again.
(How to Tell Wild Animals)
(i) Choose the option listing the stanza that would follow the given extract [1]
1. The leopard stalks on silent paws.
With deadly armor of fangs and claws.
He lies in his tree perch throughout the day.
Sleeping and resting the hours away.
2. A spotted leopard in a banyan tree, kept his yellow carnivore-ic eyes on me.
I knew better than to move fast or try to flee.
His eyes narrowed, but I refused to see.
How fast that cat was chasing after me.
If I can just get to that tall tall tree.
3. His claws and paws will make you forget,
If you’re in a dream or reality,
And you’ll feel clawed and pawed. I bet,
The peppered pounce a certainty.
This a beast that runs and strikes fast,
If you’re caught you sure won’t last.
4. The leopard and the lion chose to become friends,
For they were all proud of claws on their paws,
They each glorified one another for their mighty,
Ability to live on meat of other fauna throughout a year,
They each admired one another for running speed,
They each remained firm and loyal to one rule;
Lions don’t eat leopards neither leopards eat lions.
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
Answer:
(C) Option 3
Explanation:
The attacking strategy of leopard is highlighted here.
(ii) Given below are four examples of activities that Jasmeet does. Choose the option that correctly demonstrates ‘strolling’. [1]
(A) Jasmeet runs with a great speed after being chased by a dog.
(B) Jasmeet walks in the garden, relaxing while listening to his favorite song.
(C) Jasmeet skids sharply on the icy skate rink.
(D) Jasmeet rushes to switch off the water pump in the backyard.
Answer:
(B) Jasmeet walks in the garden, relaxing while listening to his favorite song.
Explanation:
‘strolling’ means casual relaxed walk.
(iii) Choose the option that matches with the rhyme scheme of the extract. [1]
1. Proud loud child wild jungle mingle
2. Wild jungle child mingle loud proud
3. Wild proud child loud jingle mingle
4. Loud jungle wild child mingle proud
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
Answer:
(C) Option 3
Explanation:
Rhyme scheme- ababcc
(iv) Comment on the poet’s use of language in the poem. [2]
Answer:
Carolyn Wells uses humour to identify ‘Wild Animals’ throughout the poem. She uses a comical effect when she tells us the ways of recognizing each creature while they are attacking us. She gives us a vivid imagery of the animals.
OR
(B) The fog comes on little cat feet.
It sits looking over the harbour
and city on silent haunches
And then moves on. (Fog) [5]
(i) List the qualities of the cat that Carl Sandburg applies to the fog. [2]
Answer:
Cats are independent animals, they slip and slide as they please. Cats are stealthy, moving in slow motion mysteriously. Cats observe their surroundings very silently without making their presence felt.
(ii) Which one of the following does not apply to the given lines? [1]
1. Personification is a literary device where you give an animal, object or natural phenomenon, qualities or abilities that only a human can have.
2. Transferred epithet is a literary device when an adjective usually used to describe one thing is transferred to another.
3. Imagery is the language used by poets and writers to create visual representation of ideas in the minds of the readers.
4. An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear side by side.
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C)Option 3
(D) Option 4
Answer:
(D) Option 4
Explanation:
Fog is personified (it sits looking over the harbor). Transferred epithet is used in ‘silent haunches’. Imagery is used throughout the poem as we can form image while reading the lines of the poem.
(iii) Pick the option that includes an image of the cat on its haunches. [1]
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
Answer:
(B) Option 2
Explanation:
sitting on forelimbs.
(iv) Choose the option that does not list movement of the fog. [1]
1. It stole in on us like a foot-pad somewhere out of the sea and air.
2. A fog drifts in, the heavy-laden cold white ghost of the sea.
3. The fog, it tricks the eye, the wonder of the veil, off-white sheet under the clear blue sky.
4. _________ comes gliding, rolling in at ground level, pressing its white featureless face against…
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
Answer:
(C) Option 3
Explanation:
No movement depicted in these lines.
Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions in about 40-50 words each. (4 x 3 = 12)
Question 8.
(A) Why does the postmaster send money to Lencho? Why does he sign the letter ‘God’? (A Letter to God) [3]
Answer:
The postmaster sends money to Lencho so as to keep his faith in God alive and firm, as he was completely moved by it. When the postmaster reads Lencho’s letter to God, he becomes serious. He decides that he wants to keep Lencho’s faith intact, so he decides to answer the letter. He gathers money with the assistance of his post office employees to assist Lencho on behalf of God and signs the letter ‘God’ in order that Lencho’s
faith in God does not get shaken.
(B) What special characteristic of Mijbil did Maxwell learn after he took him to the bathroom? (Mijbil the Otter) [3]
Answer:
When Maxwell took Mijbil to the bathroom, he learned that Mijbil went wild with joy in water, plunging and rolling in it and splashed water. Otters live in marshy wetlands, so Mijbil was also fond of water.
(C) Why did the Buddha ask Kisa Gotami to bring a handful of mustard seeds? (The Sermon at Benares) [3]
Answer:
Kisa Gotami was devastated by the death of her son and she went from door to door, seeking help. Someone told her to talk to Sakyamuni, Buddha, who then asked her to procure a handful of mustard seeds. This raised hope in Gotami’s heart that her son could be revived. But the condition imposed by Sakyamuni was that the seeds should be brought from a house where people had not lost a loved one to death. The futile search of Kisa Gotami made her realize that sorrows are a part of life and one can attain peace only by acceptance.
(D) Describe the method Anne Gregory suggested in order to prove that she is loved for who she is. (For Anne Gregory) [3]
Answer:
She said that she would change her hair from yellow to some other color by applying a hair dye to confirm that she is loved for her inner beauty and not for her outer personality.
(E) “Fire and Ice” project a pessimistic outlook. Comment. [3]
Answer:
Fire and ice are symbols of humanity’s ability to motive failures on its own. The poet connects human admiration with the reasons for the potential extinction of the world. This poem tries to imply that mankind should not try to innovate and develop new weapons. It projects a pessimistic outlook by suggesting that the pursuit of human dreams and passions can lead to the catastrophic destruction of the planet. Fire and ice are symbols of humanity’s ability to cause disasters on its own.
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in about 40-50 words each. (2 x 3 = 6)
Question 9.
(A) Why was Tricki an uninteresting object for other dogs at the surgery? (A Triumph of Surgery) [3]
Answer:
When Tricki was brought to the surgery, all the household dogs surged around him but Tricki looked down at the noisy pack with dull eyes and lay motionless on the carpet. So after sniffing him for a few seconds, they found him an uninteresting object and moved away from him.
(B) Henry unintentionally saved Ausable’s life. Briefly comment. (The Midnight Visitor) [3]
Answer:
Henry was a waiter at the French hotel where Ausable had a room. He played a vital role in helping Ausable’s plan as it was Henry’s knock at the door which frightened Max as he mistook it to be a policeman at the door. This confusion forced Max to jump from the window assuming it to be a balcony and hence helping Ausable’s plan to get rid of Max.
(C) How did the Loisels react when they realized that the necklace had been lost? [3]
Answer:
Matilda Loisel became very sad when they realized that the necklace had been lost. They were sure that the loss of necklace would make their life hell because Mr. Loisel was only a petty clerk and it was very difficult for him to replace necklace of diamond.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 40-50 words each. (1 X 6 = 6)
Question 10.
(A) Fearlessness and determination were the character highlights of Valli. Nelson Mandela said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but triumph over it.”Compare and contrast the character traits of Valli and Nelson Mandela.’ [6]
Answer:
Valliammai was a cheerful girl of eight years. Curiosity about the things surrounding her made way towards gaining the worldly knowledge. Though quite young, she understood the importance of being mature. She was fascinated by the view of the town yet she did not get down the bus in her temptation. She even refused an offer of free cold drink from the conductor. Already a bit more mature than her age, she understood the mystery of life and death through her first ride on the bus. She realized that in a short span of time, people/ creatures that looked so lively a moment ago are snatched away by death. She was a mature girl when she began her ride but she actually returned as a mature lady.
Nelson Mandela, the first Black president of South Africa, after more than 3 centuries of white rule, celebrated very vividly the grand ceremony of the first democratic non-racial government. Being sworn in, he said radiantly “Never, never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another”. He pays homage to the freedom fighters and marked those as men of uncommon courage, wisdom and generosity. He regards the death of thousands of people who sacrificed their lives for the cause of courage. It is not the absence of fear but the victory over it. No man is bombarded with harassment rather love which comes naturally to the human heart. He says every man has his duties to his family, to the community and to his country to perform honestly.
Thus, both had a carefree childhood which gradually transformed them from meek to a vibrant personality of indomitable courage.
OR
(B) “Not from weeping nor from grieving will anyone obtain peace of mind’. If you had to use the message of the given quote from the Buddha’s sermon (The Sermon at Benares) to help the boy cope with the loss of his ball and what it signifies (The Ball Poem), what would you include in your advice? Also, evaluate why it might be difficult for him to understand the notion. [6]
Answer ANY ONE of the two questions given below in about 100-120 words: (1 X 6 = 6)
Question 11.
(A) “And in her smiling eyes was the sight of deep satisfaction that an artist feels when he is contemplating the completion of his masterpiece.” Imagine you are Bholi’s teacher. You are overwhelmed with a sense of satisfaction to see the conversion of ‘Bholi’ to ‘Sulekha’. Express your feelings in the form of a diary entry. [6]
Answer:
Monday, 22 November 2023
9 p.m.
Dear Diary
Today I felt much satisfied as I got success in changing Bholi to Sulekha. As her name signifies, Bholi was really a simple girl. I can’t forget her first entry in my class. A frightened, confused and a simple girl was her first appearance. She used to stammer while speaking. But my two words of affection filled her with confidence. But my two words of affection filled her with confidence. She left stammering and became a confident, determined girl. She was determined to learn everything silently. In her family, nobody noticed the changes that took place in her personality, and got her engaged to a fifty years old lame man with two children. She kept the honor of her parents and agreed to this marriage. But she couldn’t stand with the demand of dowry. She threw away her garland in the fire and asked her father to take back the money. She raised her voice against dowry. She asked the ladies of the village why girls should be treated like a dumb cow.
This was the change I always wanted to see in her personality. Today I feel I have completed my masterpiece
without any error. Today she signified her real name Sulekha.
Bholi’s loving teacher
OR
(B) Hari Singh, in spite of all the flaws, emerge as a lovable character. Comment. [6]
Answer:
Hari Singh, the narrator of the story “The Thief Story” is a fifteen-year-old thief. He considers himself to be a successful thief as he is good at cheating and robbing people. He approaches Anil in the guise of wanting to work for him. Hari is shown kindness by Anil as he takes him in as a cook and teaches him how to cook, read and write. In spite of Anil being kind to him, Hari continues to cheat Anil by stealing his money while he is sent to the bazaar for daily supplies. As Anil teaches him to read and write his name, Hari is inspired to use his education to make a limitless and honest career out of it. One day, when Anil brings home a lot of cash, Hari decides to steal it. But as he tries to run away with it, he hesitates at the prospect of leaving behind the only person he truly knows well. He remembers how he will miss cooking for Anil, going to the bazaar and miss out on the opportunity of learning how to write full sentences. He knows how sad Anil will be knowing he broke his trust, so Hari decides to return back to the house and put the money back under the mattress when he had stolen it from. When he wakes up the next morning Anil gives him a 50 rupee note and tells him that he will be paid regularly now. Hari realizes the note is still wet from the rain when he tried to run away with it and realizes Anil knows that he had tried to steal the money. But he is moved by Anil’s values of friendship, kindness, trust and forgiveness. He is motivated to reform himself because of Anil and his own desire of having an honest career after his education.