Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative with Solutions and marking scheme Set 2 will help students understand the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative Set 2 with Solutions
Time Allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
- The Question Paper contains FOUR sections Skills, Writing Skills, Grammar and Literature Textbook.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section – A
Reading Skills (22 marks)
Question 1.
Read the following passage (12 marks)
1. India is on the path of greatness. But where will this greatness come from? The true greatness of any nation lies in its people.
2. The government is only the guardian of the nation and is ready to serve the people of the country. For true democracy to succeed, citizens have to play a larger role and fulfill their duties towards the nation.
3. The most famous line from US President John F Kennedy’s inaugural address is, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. In a true democracy, people get the leaders they deserve.
4. We can achieve this kind of leadership firstly by educating the youth of the country. Second, parents need to teach their children the importance of obeying laws and encourage them to express their talents and skills. We need to encourage new ideas and creativity.
5. Whether you start a small business, write an article, teach a child, shop at local stores, participate in cleanliness drives, create a work of art, volunteer for a social cause, or make similar efforts, you are performing your duty as a citizen and contributing to community development. Teachers and employers should also inculcate a sense of duty in the hearts and minds of young people.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:
(i) According to the passage, where does the true greatness of a nation lie? [1]
(A) In its government
(B) In its political leaders
(C) In its people
(D) In its resources
Answer:
(C) In its people
Explanation:
It is mentioned in the first part of the passage.
(ii) How does the passage emphasise the role of citizens in the success of a true democracy? [2]
Answer:
The passage emphasises that citizens play a larger role in the success of a true democracy by fulfilling their duties towards the nation and actively participating in shaping the leadership and future of the country.
(iii) Put the following events in the order mentioned in the passage. [1]
(A) Educating the youth of the country
(B) Encouraging new ideas and creativity
(C) Inculcating a sense of duty in young people by teachers and employers
(D) Citizens playing a larger role in a true democracy
(E) Teaching children the importance of obeying laws
Answer:
C, E, A, B, D
Explanation:
This is the correct order to foster responsible citizens and democracy.
(iv) Explain the concept of citizens getting the leaders they deserve in a true democracy, as mentioned in the passage. [2]
Answer:
In a true democracy, citizens have the power to elect their leaders through the process of voting. The quality of leadership is a reflection of the collective choices made by the citizens. If citizens are informed, engaged, and responsible, they are more likely to choose leaders who align with their values and needs.
(v) What does the word “inculcate” mean in the passage? (4th or 5th paragraph) [1]
Answer:
“Inculcate” means to teach, instill, or impress an idea, value, or behaviour persistently and deliberately.
(vi) What is one of the ways citizens can contribute to community development, as mentioned in the passage? [1]
(A) Criticising government policies
(B) Expressing dissatisfaction with leadership
(C) Participating in cleanliness drives
(D) Focusing on personal interests only
Answer:
(C) Participating in cleanliness drives
(vii) In a true democracy, people get the leaders… (Complete the sentence based on the inference of the passage.) [1]
Answer:
In a true democracy, people get the leaders they deserve based on their active engagement, informed decisions, and responsible citizenship.
(viii) Citizens can contribute to community development by… (Fill in the reason based on the passage.) [1]
Answer:
Citizens can contribute to community development by actively participating in various activities such as starting businesses, teaching, supporting local initiatives, practicing environmental responsibility, and volunteering for social causes.
(ix) According to the passage, the government is solely responsible for the greatness of a nation. (True/False) [1]
Answer:
False
(x) Which quote from the US President’s inaugural address is mentioned in the passage? [1]
(A) “Leadership is the key to success.”
(B) “A government for the people.”
(C) “The government must serve the nation.”
(D) “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
Answer:
(D) “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
Question 2.
Read the following details. (10 m)
- Bama – Born 1958, creative Tamil, woman writer, committed teacher, social activist – popularly known as Karukku Bama.
- Penname – Faustina Mary Fatima Rani.
- Novels – Karukku, Sangati and Vanman – translated into other Indian languages, English and French.
- Wrote twenty short stories – not published in book form.
- Honorary doctorate degree, Crossword Award for her semi-fictional autobiography Karukku.
- Invited by universities in India and abroad – lectures at various conferences.
- Multi-faceted personality-woman with extraordinary courage, conviction, resistance to any form of oppression
- Keep eye for beauty in nature, profound insight into issues pertaining to caste, religion, women.
- Clear thoughts and expression
- Dedicated to the upliftment of the downtrodden: passion-Teaching: Mission-Building a casteless society.
Answer the following questions based on the information above.
(i) Identify the type of writing for which the given data can be easily used? Support your answer with one reason. (2)
Answer:
The given data can be easily used to write a factual description or a bio sketch of Bama. This is so because the given details presents everything about Bama’s life including her achievements, aims, type of writing etc.
(ii) Which issues are Bama’s writings concerned with? (1)
(a) Class
(b) Religion
(c) Women
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
(iii) On the basis of the information given above, write about Bama’s writing style. (2)
Answer:
Bama is a female writer with a keen eye for beauty and issues pertaining to caste, religion and women. Her observation skills are visible in her writing style which shows her clear thoughts and expression.
(iv) Select the correct option to fill in the blank and complete the analogy: (1)
Passion : Teaching :: Mission : …………………..
(a) Education to all women
(b) Casteless society
(c) A keen understanding of religion
(d) Upliftment of the downtrodden
Answer:
(b) Casteless society
(v) How can Bama be characterised on the basis of the information given? (1)
Answer:
On the basis of the information given in the passage, we can state that Bama is a multi-faceted personality. She is a woman with extraordinary courage, conviction and resistance to any form of oppression.
(vi) Complete the given sentence appropriately (1)
Bama is invited by Universities all over the world to …………….
Answer:
give lectures at conferences.
(vii) Write about Bama’s writing career on the basis of the data given in the box. (1)
Answer:
Bama in her writing career has written 20 short stories which aren’t compiled anywhere. She has also written novels titled Karukku, Sangati and Vanman which are translated into other Indian languages, English and French.
(viii) Based on the information given above, which of the following qualities can you not attach with Bama? (1)
(a) Dedicated
(b) Compassionate
(c) Short tempered
(d) Observant
Answer
(c) Short tempered
Section – B
Writing Skills (22 marks)
Question 3.
Your school is hosting an international debate competition. Write an e-mail to the principal of a neighbouring school as the head boy/ head girl informing her of the event and requesting her to send a team to participate. [3]
From:
To:
Cc: [email protected]
Date: September 01, 2023, 8:03 PM
Subject:
Answer:
From:
[email protected]
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Date: September 01, 2023, 8:03 PM
Subject: Interschool Debate Competition
Dear Ma’am,
Greetings from ABCD School, Agra We are excited to announce our upcoming International Debate Competition. Kindly consider sending a team to participate and showcase your students’ oratory skills. Your school’s involvement would greatly enhance the event. Looking forward to your positive response.
Warm regards,
Yours sincerely
Shikha
Head Girl
Question 4.
Write a factual descriptive paragraph on Mother Teresa using the clues given below. (4)
- Early life and education
- Her work for the society
- Awards and honours
Answer:
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa is a humanitarian who is well-known throughout the world for her selfless approach toward those who are in need. She was born on 26th August 1910, in Skopje, Macedonia. She became a nun at the age of 18 and moved to India. She began teaching geography at St. Mary’s Convent School in Calcutta. She could not bear to see the sorrows, pains, and difficulties of those around her, so she dedicated the remainder of her life to serving the poor and the oppressed. In Calcutta, she founded the Missionaries of Charity and Nirmal Hriday, a shelter for the poor. She also opened schools and hospitals. She loved children the most and loved to teach the students. Hence, she also started an open-air school to teach the students without taking any money. She chose to live a modest life which drew people from all over the world to volunteer and serve the destitute. She was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize and the Bharat Ratna for her outstanding service.
Question 5.
(a) Despite the Governments’ initiatives and provisions made for the girl child, the statistics shown in the
enrolment position of girls in primary and upper primary are not very encouraging. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, expressing your concern about the issue and the need to work on a war footing to counter the problem of poor enrolment of girls. [7]
OR
(b) You are the Charge of the Medical Section of Gyanodaya Public School, Nehru Vihar, Alwar. Your stock of medicines is about to finish. Write a letter to the Director of Jambo Medicare, Delhi, ordering medical items like glucose, crocin, bandages, tinctures, pain healers, ointments, etc. Ask for a discount on bulk orders. Invent other necessary details. (120 words)
Answer:
(a)
XYZ Street
New Delhi
17 December 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Sir
Subject: Poor Enrolment of Girl Child in Schools
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw your attention towards the poor enrolment of girl child in primary and upper primary classes.
Our government has taken many initiatives and made many provisions for the enrolment of the girl child but the conservative attitude of our society towards girls has not let it become a success. There is a lot of gender disparity in our society where the literacy rate of men is much higher than that of the women. The reasons are varied ranging from the idolization of a son, major concern over the Safety and security of the girl child and the expectation from girls to contribute a lot in household chores. They are taken as a responsibility and thus are married at a younger age.
But this is not the right attitude. Educating a girl child means educating a family. So, everyone especially the lower sections of the society should be made aware about the need to educate a girl child. I request you to publish this letter of mine in your reputed newspaper so that people may become aware and start working on a war footing to counter this problem.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Chaitanya
OR
(b)
In-charge, Medical Section
Gyanodaya Public School
Nehru Vihar, Alwar
10 October 20XX
The Director
Jambo Medicare
Delhi
Sir
Subject: Order for Medical Supplies
I hope this letter finds you well. As the Charge of the Medical Section at Gyanodaya Public School, I am writing to place an order for essential medical items to replenish our stock.
We require a supply of glucose, crocin, bandages, tinctures, pain-healers, ointments, and other necessary medical supplies. Considering our bulk requirement for the school’s healthcare needs, we kindly request a discount on this order.
Please provide us with the details of the available products, their prices, and the applicable discount for bulk purchases. We aim to ensure the well-being of our students and staff, and your prompt response would greatly assist us in maintaining our medical facilities.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration.
Yours sincerely
Manan
In-charge, Medical Section
Gyanodaya Public School
Question 6.
A. In today’s competitive age, the students’ main focus is on academics and coaching classes for entrance examinations; so they tend to neglect participation in outdoor games. Lack of open spaces is another reason for avoiding athletics and sports. Write an article on ‘Poor Physical Fitness of School Students’. (8)
Use the given cues, along with your ideas and those you may have gathered from Unit 1 : Health and Medicine.
- Competitive word – focus on academics
- No participation in outdoor games
- Adverse impact on health
- Need for a healthy body
- Physical fitness ensures mental fitness.
Answer:
Poor Physical Fitness of School Students
by XYZ
Being physically active and fit holds utmost importance especially among today’s younger generation who isn’t active and spirited on a daily basis. In today’s competitive age, a student’s main focus is on academics and coaching classes for entrance examinations; so they tend to neglect participation in outdoor games. Students have jam-packed schedules with their entire focus on academics. Lack of open spaces is another reason for avoiding athletics and sports.
Due to lack of physical activities and sports, the health of a student is adversely affected. Sitting at one place with no physical activity makes a student dull. They start suffering from lifestyle diseases and become stressed. Thus, the need of the hour is to encourage students to participate in physical activities or sports for a healthy life. Students should be told how a healthy and fit person is capable of living a fulfilling and peaceful life, without any major medical or physical issues.
They should be informed that physical fitness also ensures mentally fitness and a stress free life. Thus, one needs to include regular exercises in one’s daily routine to remain healthy while enjoying life to the fullest.
OR
B. India is a tourist’s dream destination. Give your views on the tourism potential of India in an article.
Use given cues, along with your own ideas and those you have gathered from Unit 5 : Travel and Tourism.
- Places of worship-religious tourism
- Foreigners-places of historical interest
- The rich-hill stations during summers
- Medical tourism-world class hospitals
– The Sun-kissed beaches in winters
– Leisure tourism
Answer:
Tourism Potential of India
by PQR
India has been so blessed with a rich and varied geographical, cultural, and linguistic diversity that one needs a lifetime to explore every part of the colorful nation. Thus, it is no wonder that India has immense potential in the tourism industry. Each century has brought a new culture to the nation leading to a diversified blend of cultures that has shaped modern India.
Well known for its ancient civilization and the artifacts recovered and being excavated till today, India proves the genuineness of its claims. The ancient history of our culture has left behind exquisite monuments and temples which can amaze the tourist to no extent. From the mosques to the temples and churches, India is a living testament to its vast and varied heritage. For those, looking to just get away from the maddening crowd, hill stations during summers, the sun-kissed beaches in winter, and leisure tourism are the go-to options that cater to one and all in India.
Moreover, India is among the top three medical tourism destinations in Asia with world-class hospitals, quality and low-cost treatment and highly skilled doctors. The options enumerated so far are just some instances of India’s diversified tourist potential. There is so much more waiting to be explored in what can truly be the dream destination for tourists.
Section – C
Grammar (10 marks)
Question 7.
Complete the tasks A-C as directed
(A) Fill the blanks (i) -(iii) with the appropriate words. [3]
Teacher: You (i) ……….. wear school uniform in the school.
Student: It is my birthday, Sir. ………….. we wear school uniform on birthdays too?
Teacher: You are not required to wear it on birthdays, but you ……………. look sober in what you wear.
Answer:
(i) must
(ii) should
(iii) should
(B) In the following table, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheets, remember to write
the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it, as shown below. The first one has been done as an example. [4]
| No. | Text | Word before | Omission | Word after |
| Most people travel as part of their | as | a | part | |
| i. | daily routine because it enjoyable. | |||
| There are lots of places to explore in | ||||
| ii. | the world. Travelling worth every | |||
| iii. | penny you spend memories last forever. | |||
| iv. | Additionally, travelling provides valuable experiences and opportunities personal growth that enrich one’s life in countless ways. |
Answer:
Word before Omission Word after
(i) it is enjoyable
(ii) Travelling is worth
(iii) spend because memories
(iv) opportunities for personal
(C) Do as directed
(a) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create a meaningful sentence,
(i) Ram: What a cold day it is! I think this must be the coldest day of the season.
Shyam: I don’t mind the cold. It is the summer that bothers me.
Ram: Well!/I/worried/only/am/my/about/mother. She/alone/in/Shimla/stays [1]
Answer:
Well! I am only worried about my mother. She stays alone in Shimla.
(b) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows. [2]
Riya: Have you read the new fantasy novel?
Aman: I read it during the weekend at the library.
Riya: I meant the novel by that famous author.
Aman: Oh, I thought you were referring to the one from our school’s writing club. Riya inquired of Aman (ii) ………. The latter responded that he had read it during the weekend at the library. Riya clarified that (iii) ……………. Aman explained that he had mistaken her reference and thought she meant the novel from their school’s writing club.
Answer:
(ii) whether he had read the new fantasy novel
(iii) she was talking about the novel by that famous author.
Section – D
Literature Textbook (26 marks)
Question 8.
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions briefly, for ANY TWO extracts of the three given. (4 + 4 = 8)
A. “Do not look so startled,” the continued. They will be useful to you and they can never be to me. But will you do one thing?
“What ?”
“What do you see up there ?” said Ali, pointing to the sky.
“Heaven.”
(i) What does ‘they’ refer to here? (1)
Answer:
‘They’ here refers to five golden coins or guineas.
(ii) How will ‘they’ be useful to the person who is being addressed here? (1)
Answer:
‘They’ will be useful to the clerk Lakshmi Das as he could use them in any way he liked.
(iii) Which word in the extract is an antonym of ‘unproductive’? (1)
Answer:
The word useful’ in the extract is the antonym of unproductive.
(iv) What does the speaker want the listener to do for him? (1)
Answer:
The speaker Ali wants that Lakshmi Das should put his daughter’s letter on his grave whenever it arrives.
B. They’re coming to talk over poor Grandpa’s affairs. Your father sent them a telegram as soon as we found he was dead. (A noise is heard)
Good gracious, that’s never them. (Mrs. Slater: hurries to the door and opens it) No, thank goodness! it’s only your father. (The Dear Departed)
(i) Who is speaking these words and to whom? (1)
Answer:
Mrs. Slater is speaking these words to her daughter Victoria.
(ii) What is the ‘noise’ heard due to? (1)
Answer:
The ‘noise’ heard is due to the arrival of Mr. Henry Slater, Mrs. Slater’s husband.
(iii) Which word in the extract means the same as ‘matters’? (1)
Answer:
The word ‘affairs’ in the extract means the same as ‘matters’.
(iv) Who are they mentioned here? (1)
Answer:
‘They’ are Mr. and Mrs. Jordans, the brother-in-law and sister of Mrs. Slater.
(c) In mist or cloud, on mast or shroud,
It perched for vespers nine;
While all the night, through fog-smoke white,
Glimmered the white moonshine. ” (The Rime of The Ancient Mariner)
(a) Who is the speaker in these lines? (1)
Answer:
The ancient mariner is the speaker in these lines.
(b) Where were the mariners? (1)
Answer:
The mariners were in the South Sea. Their ship was now moving as the ice had begun to melt.
(c) Who is the ‘It’ referred to in these lines? (1)
Answer:
In these lines ‘It’ refers to the albatross.
(d) What does ‘vespers nine ‘ mean? (1)
Answer:
The phrase ‘vespers nine’ means ‘a fixed time every day (the evening church service)’.
Question 9.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in about 30- 40 words each
(i) How were the boys useful to the author in ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’? [2]
Answer:
The two boys help the narrator by arranging seats for the Opera, providing a pack of American cigarettes, and taking him around Juliet’s Tomb. Whenever he wanted the name of a good restaurant, they used to help him. Thus, they helped the author in many ways.
(ii) How did the villagers help Mrs. Packletide in ‘killing’ the tiger? [2]
Answer:
Mrs. Packletide announced a reward of one thousand rupees for the villagers to make arrangements for the tiger hunt. The villagers were very happy and helped her in all possible ways. They built a platform for her on a tree and placed a goat as bait for the old tiger which they had herded towards it. They posted boys on the outskirts so that the tiger could not get away from that place. Their joy knew no bounds when the tiger died. They carried the good news to the village also to announce its death.
(iii) Why is the post office referred to as Ali’s place of pilgrimage? What trait of Ali does it reflect? [2]
(The Letter)
Answer:
Ali went to the post office daily in the hope of receiving a letter from his daughter Miriam. He felt as if it was his religious duty to go there. This trait of Ali shows his deep love and affection for his daughter Miriam.
(iv) Why did Glodolia decide to leave the Hallocks? What made her change her decision? [2]
(A Shady Plot)
Answer:
Gladolia was the narrator’s cook. She decided to leave her job at the Hallocks. She was fed up and scared of Ouija boards and wood. She was scared of ghosts and spirits in the house. She changed her mind because they promised that they would not use Ouija boards.
(v) What changed Patol Babu’s mind about the small role allotted to him? [2]
Answer:
Initially, Patol Babu was displeased with the role allotted to him. He had expected a role that would help him show his talent but the monosyllable shocked him. But the preaching of Gogon Pakrashi, his mentor changed his mind about the small role allotted to him. He had always told him that no role is small or petty. Each word of the dialogue is like a fruit in a tree and it is up to the actor to pluck the fruit and serve its essence to his audience. These words helped Patol Babu come out of his dissatisfaction and he performed his role to satisfaction.
(vi) Why was Michael surprised to see Sebastian Shultz’s photograph in the newspaper? [2]
(Virtually True)
Answer:
Michael was surprised to see Sebastian’s photograph in the newspaper because he had been interacting with Sebastian Shultz for the past one and a half months through the psycho drive games. He was shocked when he realized that Sebastian was a real-life person and he had helped him in bringing back out of the coma.
Question 10.
Answer Any One of the following two questions in about 150 words. (8)
A. The gentlemen-like qualities and devotion of the two orphaned boys radiate a positivity that reflects a new hope for humanity. Elaborate the value which is found in the story.
Two Gentlemen of Verona.
Answer:
The story Two Gentlemen of Verona tells us to be always optimistic. Living without optimism is living a life full of stress which further leads us to failures. Life is full of hurdles and obstacles that break our spirits and leave us helpless and hopeless such situations can very easily take us on the path of self-destruction if not dealt with properly or with a positive approach. An optimistic approach fills us with courage, strength, and determination to face all the challenges that life throws at us just like it did for Nicola and Jacopo, the two orphaned boys. Nicola and Jacopo lost their parents, their sister is in hospital fighting tuberculosis of the spine.
Despite all this, the boys do not lose hope. They keep their self-respect intact and work hard to lead a respectful life. Not once do the boys complain or regret the conditions of their life. They. work with a smile on their faces and tackle the obstacles life has thrown at them with courage. Hence, they come out as a successful image of positivity which reflects a new hope for humanity.
OR
B. The poem, ‘Ozymandias’ highlights the vanity of human glory and power. Elaborate.
Answer:
The poem, Ozymandias highlights the vanity of human glory and power. It conveys that no human emotion of haughtiness, sneer, pride, and arrogance assures immortality and durability against the all-powerful time and nature. Everything in the world perishes with time and under the powerful influence of the elements of nature, even the mightiest of the mighty becomes one with dust. No trace of them is left on the sands of time.
Ozymandias, a powerful king of Egypt, was proud of his glory and achievements. He desired to immortalize his name and got a statue built for himself. But nothing could stand against the time and his statue was destroyed to such an extent that it was hardly visible. The remnants of the visible statue only had its legs on a pedestal and a shattered face that was sunk in sand. The trunk and hands of the statue were missing. This shows that nothing is permanent in the world and everything big or small is bound to perish one day.