Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative with Solutions and marking scheme Set 3 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative Set 3 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-Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Grammar and Literature Textbook.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section – A (22 marks)
Reading Skills
Question 1.
Read the following passage: (12 marks)
Hyderabad — The City of Nizams GOLCONDA FORT
1. In the 16th century, when Golconda was the capital of Qutb Shahi Kingdom, it is believed that a shepherd
boy came across an idol on the hill. It was then that the Kakatiya dynasty’s ruler built the fort, which is 120 m high. After it was captured by Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, the fort fell into ruins.
2. The beautiful ruins of the fort have a story to tell. They make you wonder how the fort may have looked in its days of glory and grandeur. The fort also organizes a sound and light show every day and the history of this fort is narrated in such an interesting manner that even a child can understand and enjoy it. The climb to the fort is a difficult one and unless you are physically fit, you should avoid the climb and relax in the gardens below. The view from the top is breathtaking.
3. CHARMINAR
The next place is Charminar. The literal meaning of the monument is ‘four minarets.’ There is a mosque on the second floor. It is said that when the state was hit by severe plague, Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, prayed to end the plague and promised to build a mosque in the very place where he was praying. Thus, Charminar came into being!
4. The walk from the bottom to the top of the monument is a little frightening, owing to the narrowness of the pathway and the steepness of the steps. Once you reach the top, the view of the crowds moving below will surely lift your spirits.
5. Make sure you visit the nearby Laad Bazaar, where there are rows of shops selling the famous Hyderabadi glass bangles and lac bangles.
6. SALAR JUNG MUSEUM
The Salar Jung Museum is the third largest museum in the country and boasts of owning the biggest one-man collection of antiques in the world. A visit to the Salar Jung Museum is a must even if you are not a fan of antique stuff. You can view Nizam’s collection of textiles, arms, metalware, ivory carvings, Indian bronzes, and carpets.
7. The main attraction is the Musical Clock, made by Cook and Kelvy of England. Inside the clock is a timekeeper. Every hour, he comes out and beats a gong as many times as the time indicates. Another attraction of the museum is the Veiled Rebecca, an amazing sculpture made by the Italian sculptor, Giovanni Maria Benzoni.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above
(i) What is the name of the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty who built Charminar? [1]
(A) Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah
(B) Sultan Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah
(C) Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah
(D) Sultan Abul Hasan Qutb Shah
Answer:
(A) Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah
Explanation:
Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. He was the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and he built Charminar in 1591 CE.
(ii) What is the main attraction of Salar Jung Museum? Frame a brief description on the base of the information given in the passage. [2]
Answer:
The main attraction of the Salar Jung Museum is the Musical Clock, made by Cook and Kelvy of England. Inside the clock is a timekeeper who comes out every hour and beats a gong as many times as the time indicates. Another attraction is the Veiled Rebecca, ‘ a sculpture by Italian sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni.
(iii) Which of the following statements is true about the Musical Clock in the Salar Jung Museum? [1]
(A) It was made by Cook and Kelvy of England.
(B) It has a timekeeper who beats a gong every hour.
(C) It is the main attraction of the museum.
(D) All of the above.
Answer:
(D) All of the above.
(iv) After which paragraph of the passage, would the following paragraph most likely be placed? [1]
While exploring the rich history of Golconda, consider visiting the nearby Qutb Shahi Tombs. These mausoleums are the final resting places of the rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, who once ruled this region. The intricate architecture and serene ambiance make it a poignant reminder of Hyderabad’s royal past. As you wander through the tomb complex, you’ll find beautifully crafted structures that blend Persian, Indian, and Pashtun architectural styles. It’s a tranquil spot to reflect on the city’s regal heritage and appreciate the architectural marvels of the bygone era.
Answer:
After paragraph 3.
Explanation:
The addition of a paragraph about the Qutb Shahi Tombs provides readers with an opportunity to explore another significant historical site closely associated with Golconda Fort, enriching their understanding of Hyderabad’s heritage and offering an alternative attraction nearby.
(v) Give a brief description of Charminar in about 30 to 40 words based on the information in the passage. [1]
Answer:
Charminar, meaning ‘four minarets,’ is an iconic monument in Hyderabad. Built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in response to a plague, it houses a mosque on its second floor. Climbing it offers a thrilling view of the crowds below.
(vi) Find a word in the passage that can be substituted with another word from paragraph 2, that means the same. [1]
“The ascent to the fort is a difficult one.”
Answer:
Climb
Explanation:
In this case, “climb” is substituted with “ascent” to convey a similar meaning.
(vii) What is the main reason why the climb to Golconda Fort is difficult and should be avoided by people who are not physically fit? [1]
(A) The fort is 120 m high.
(B) The fort is captured by Aurangzeb.
(C) The fort has a sound and light show.
(D) The fort has a story to tell.
Answer:
(A) The fort is 120 m high.
Explanation:
The fort is 120 m high. The passage says that the climb to the fort is difficult and should be / avoided by people who are not physically fit, because
it is 120 m high and has steep steps.
(viii) Complete the following appropriately. [1]
Based on the use of the word “boasts” to describe the Salar Jung Museum, in paragraph 6, we can infer that it is very …………… of its collection of antiques.
Answer:
A possible word is proud.
Explanation:
Based on the use of the word “boasts” to describe the Salar Jung Museum, we can infer that it is very proud of its collection of antiques, which is the largest one-man collection in the world.
(ix) Complete the sentence appropriately. [1]
If the title, Hyderabad – The City of Pearls is given to this passage, it would be a suitable title, as compared to Hyderabad – The City of Nizams because ………………. .
Answer:
Hyderabad: The City of Pearls would be a suitable title, as compared to Hyderabad – The City of Nizams because it reflects the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the city, which is famous for its pearl trade and jewellery industry, as well as its cuisine, architecture, and festivals.
(Hyderabad – The City of Nizams would be a more narrow and specific title, focusing only on one aspect of the city’s history and rulers.)
(x) State whether the given assertion is TRUE or FALSE. [1]
The reason why Charminar was built was to end the plague that hit the state.
Answer:
The given assertion is TRUE.
Explanation:
The passage says that Charminar was built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to end the plague that hit the state in 1591 CE.
Question 2.
Read the passage carefully. (10 m)
1. Tourism, for millennia, has been a perpetual industry. Though initially unorganised and highly chaotic, it retained a place in each nook of history. The present tourism scenario in India is on the rise, with destinations grabbing eyeballs globally and domestically. Being the youngest nation in the world, it’s no wonder that the aggregate of ‘millennials’ spends more time and money on travel than previous generations. This could be huge for the economy of various states that rely majorly on tourism, if only it were sustainable.
2. Unsustainability prevails throughout the country, m states with higher domestic tourist inflow than foreign. The Dev Bhoomi is a prime example. No matter how popular, Uttarakhand tourism is loop-holed through and through.
3 Approx. 80% of tourists arrive to complete the infrastructure of the Dham Yatra. Such unchecked tourism puts immense pressure on natural and infrastructure facilities. The extreme shortage of accommodation in correspondence with thriving footfalls has led to the construction of illegal buildings, the majority of which exist on riverbanks. With an increasing number of tourists coming in through private vehicles to save ‘transportation money’, pollution levels are rising, increasing temperatures in return. With unlawful construction and pollution on riverbanks, the Ganges could cause direct harm to local species in Rishikesh and Haridwar.
4. Around 10,000 hilly areas are being convened for the construction of roads alone. We know roads are basic infrastructure but the Forest Conservation Act requires a project developer to plant trees in a non-forest/degraded forest area equal to or twice the trees, it’s clearing respectively, to compensate which does not happen.
5. The India State of Forest Report illustrates how Uttarakhand is losing its forest cover, which has indirect development through tourism, at its core. The government and private tour operators may think they can deny allegations but the charts speak for themselves.
6. We, as consumers of the tourism industry, hold the power to cause a massive stir in this context. According to research conducted, Uttarakhand’s mass tourism comprises people between 25-35 years of age, with higher education, out with either family or friends and enough average income to contribute to the local economy.
7. Regardless of what the figures say, if we look forward to sustainable tourism being the target market, it leaves little choice to the rest of the hierarchy. Consciously making efforts to be responsible tourists ‘and thinking of how to provide for the local community/environment in a way – tiny or big, could act as a catalyst in obliterating this ruckus due to ignorance. After all, there can only ever be seven deadly sins and wanderlust isn’t one of them.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) Infer one consequence, based on your understanding of the passage, that highlights the result of the pressures of a large number of tourists. (2)
Answer:
The influx of a large number of tourists and the urgency to accommodate them puts pressure on the infrastructure of that place leading to several illegal constructions in the area.
(ii) Select the appropriate option to fill in the blank. (1)
From paragraph 1, we can infer that …………………………. is the main cause for putting pressure on infrastructural and natural resources.
(a) unchecked tourism
(b) illegal construction
(c) pollution
(d) increasing temperatures
Answer:
(a) unchecked tourism
(iii) List any two reasons to explain why unsustainability prevails in the Dev Bhoomi. (2)
Answer:
The two reasons that lead to unsustainability in Dev Bhoomi are
- unchecked number of tourists causing stress on infrastructure.
- self-transportation causing pollution and raising the temperature.
(iv) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from the passage. (1)
Movie : Viewers :: Product :
(a) Service
(b) Consumers
(c) Operators
(d) Millennia
Answer:
(b) Consumers
(v) What do the tourist statistics show in the region of Uttarakhand? (1)
Answer:
The tourist statistics showed that in Uttarakhand domestic footfall is much greater than international footfall.
(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The Forest Conservation Act vouches for ………………
Answer:
plantation of trees in a non-forest/degraded forest area equal to or twice the trees it’s clearing
(vii) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the result of the pressures of a large number of tourists. (1)
(a) Illegal infrastructural constructions, Rise in pollution
(b) Higher education, Deforestation
(c) Higher education, Rise in pollution
(d) None of the above
Answer:
(a) Illegal infrastructural constructions, Rise in pollution
(viii) According to the passage, select the chart that is the correct depiction of the relation between incoming tourists and the temperature of the region. (1)
Answer:
(a) Option 1
Section – B
Writing Skills (22 marks)
Question 3.
As the Head Boy/Head Girl of St. Bosco School, write an email to the other office bearers of your school about an upcoming meeting with the principal regarding a science symposium and inter-house quiz competition in not more than 50 words. Use the following template to answer the question: [3]
From:
To:
Cc: [email protected]
Date: June 20, 2023, 5:06 PM
Subject:
Answer:
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Date: June 20, 2023, 5:06 p.m.
Subject: Upcoming Meeting: Science Symposium and Inter-House Quiz
Dear Office Bearers,
I hope this message finds you well. We have a meeting with the principal scheduled at 10 a.m. on June 25, 2023, to discuss the upcoming Science Symposium and Inter-House Quiz. Please ensure your availability and preparedness for our discussion.
Best regards,
Advit Head Boy
St. Bosco School
Question 4.
Write a factual description, of a handcrafted item which you made yourself. (4)
Answer:
Kite flying is a popular activity in India and I have made different types of kites on various occasions all by myself. During the kite flying festival, many people, especially children and young play around with a variety of kites. On such an occasion, I made a kite that was more than 4 feet in length and looked like a red dragon. This sort of kite is usually called “dragon kite” and it is quite tough to make and fly. While a traditional kite might take an hour to make, a dragon kite sometimes takes more than a week, depending on the size and shape. It took me more than 4 days to complete this kite and I was required to purchase some special paper, colour, plastic, giue, ribbon and sticks to make it.
First, I had to use sticks of different sizes to build the main shape of the kite. The sticks were linked to each other very strongly and I used glue, sticks, and plastic to make the final shape of the kite. Then, I checked whether the structure was strong enough to fly or not. After that, I wrapped the frame with colourful paper and plastics to give it a beautiful shape. I was quite happy to see the outcome and was convinced that it would fly without any obstacles. The wings of the dragon were more than 1 feet each and I had to be very careful while making it. Any wrong shape of the wing would ruin the whole project. I had to make it strong while keeping it light. That was a tough challenge but luckily I was quite successful in making the final kite.
Question 5.
(a) Write a letter to the editor of a daily in your city asking him to publish an article about the importance of connecting the drainage of the locality to the sewer, to close the drains. Discuss the issues caused by the open drains in the city and how would the closed system add value to it. Your word limit is 100-120 words. [7]
OR
(b)You happened to visit a local slum for a social science case study and saw that the living conditions of the people in slums, along with the issue of intoxication have caused havoc in the area. Write a letter to the Governor of your state as an employee of the NGO ‘The Human Efforts’ conveying to him your concern and what can be done to improve these conditions. You can give some ideas of your own in terms of educating people, especially teenagers, and women about cleanliness and intoxication.
Answer:
(a) AshokVihar
New Delhi
26 June 20XX
The Editor
Hindustan Times
New Delhi
Sir
Subject: Urgent Need for an Article on Connecting Local Drainage to Sewer System
I am writing to kindly request the publication of an article highlighting the pressing issue of connecting the drainage system of our locality to the city’s sewer system. The prevailing open drains pose significant problems, including health hazards, environmental degradation, and aesthetic concerns.
Open drains invite the breeding of disease¬carrying mosquitoes and compromise public health. Additionally, they contribute to pollution and foul odours, impacting the overall environment. A closed drainage system, integrated with the sewer, would mitigate these issues, enhancing sanitation, safety, and quality of life for residents.
I urge your esteemed publication to shed light on this imperative matter, emphasizing the benefits of a closed drainage system. Such coverage could encourage community involvement and authorities’ attention towards implementing this vital change.
Thanking you.
Yours sincerely
Raman
OR
(b) AKNagar
Jaipur
20 June 20XX
The Governor
Super Ghar
Jaipur
Sir
Subject: Urgent Measures to Address Living Conditions and Intoxication Issues in Local Slums
I extend my warm greetings and wish to bring to your attention a matter of great concern observed during our recent visit to a local slum area. As an employee of the NGO ‘The Human Efforts,’ I have witnessed firsthand the deplorable living conditions and rampant issue of intoxication that have brought about distressing consequences for the community. The living conditions in the slum are distressingly inadequate, contributing to compromised health, sanitation, and well-being of the residents. Additionally, the prevalence of intoxication compounds the challenges faced by the community, affecting social harmony and individual prospects. Our NGO strongly believes that targeted efforts are needed to address these issues effectively.
We propose a multifaceted approach that includes education, awareness, and community engagement. Initiatives such as workshops on hygiene, cleanliness, and waste management can empower residents, particularly teenagers and women, with knowledge and skills to improve their living environment. Special programs focusing on the dangers of intoxication and addiction can be tailored to raise awareness and provide support for those affected. Collaborating with local healthcare institutions, schools, and community leaders is pivotal to the success of these endeavours. By fostering responsibility and offering essential services, we aspire to elevate living standards in the slum area, creating a healthier, safer, and more prosperous community. Your leadership and support are instrumental in driving positive change. We earnestly request your consideration and assistance in implementing these measures. Together, we can transform this community for the better.
Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter.
Yours sincerely
Biren
Vice President [NGO – The Human Efforts]
Question 6.
A. It is said that if you educate a boy, you educate a person and if you educate a girl you educate a family. Write an article on the importance of educating women. You are Suresh/ Shobha. Use the given clues, along with your ideas and those you may have gathered from MCB Unit 2 : Education. (8)
Clues
- Educating a girl is like educating a family
- Promotes development
- Improves socioeconomic status of women
- Enables them to meet their basic needs
- Influences family
- Crucial and revered entity.
Answer:
Importance of Educating Women
by Shobha
‘If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a women, you educate a family.’ This quote highlights one of the most important issues that our country faces today-education of a woman. Educating a girl is like sowing the seed which gives rise to a green, cheerful and full grown family plant. It means making the next generation well educated, virtuous, free from the useless superstitions, confident and capable of doing something good for the family, for the society and for the country as a whole.
If India wants to rank among the developed nations, it must give foremost priority to female education. If women are educated then problems like female infanticide, dowry, domestic violence, child marriage and other related atrocities will vanish. Education provides the essential criteria to fulfill certain economic, political and cultural functions and improves the socio-economic status of women. At every age and level, education enhances the intellectual, social and emotional development of women and enables them to meet their basic needs.
It stimulates educational consciousness and civic sense among the family members. A woman influences the activities and decisions of family and, thus, influences it more than anyone else. Further, an educated girl can shoulder any kind of responsibility. See the example of Kalpana Chawla, Kiran Bedi, Sonia Gandhi, Sushma Swaraj, Lima Bharati and so on, everyone has earned a name in the society in our country. A woman is the most crucial and revered entity.
She must be given all the necessary education. Ignoring her, keeping her illiterate means we are creating an illiterate and ignorant generation. So, it is perfectly true that educating a girl child means educating a family. Development cannot be accelerated unless girls are given right education in right direction.
OR
B. Scarcity of water is felt by people everywhere in villages, in towns and in big cities. Global warming has affected our rainfall and snowfall. Our population is increasing and demand for water is on the rise. Rainwater harvesting, conservation of water, along with control on its wastage shall help us meet our water needs in future. Write an article on the topic, ‘Water Problem’ using the clues given above.
Use the given clues, along with youi own ideas and those you may have gathered from MCB Unit 4 : Environment.
Clues
- Nerve chilling scarity
- Shortage for cultivation and drinking
- Causes : irregularity in rainfall and snowfall
- Depletion of underground water resources
- Overexploitation
- Awareness need to be generated
Answer:
Water Problem
by Ankita
The Earth is called the Blue Planet, for reasons known well to all of us. About 97% of the Earth is made of water, and yet the scarcity of water available for use is nerve-chilling. India suffers from water shortage for cultivation and drinking even though many big rivers flow through it.
The cause of this scarcity is global warming which has led to irregularities in rainfall and snowfall, along with the depletion of underground water resources. Further, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and the ever-increasing population have led to an increase in demand for everything. As a result, all of the underground water is lost due to over-exploitation. And now it is estimated that by 2020, several Indian cities like Delhi and Bengaluru will have lost their groundwater recharge completely.
India is blessed with rainfall in several regions, which can be harvested to meet our needs. Schemes that promote proper town planning and water harvesting need to be launched on a big scale. Eco clubs should be established in all the schools of the country to spread awareness among students about the need to stop the reckless use of water and water conservation. Only then we can ensure a safe future for our coming generations, otherwise, the day is not far when we may witness another world war not for land, but for water.
Section – C
Grammar (10 marks)
Question 7.
Complete the tasks A-C as directed
(A) Fill in the blanks (i) -(iii) with appropriate words. [3]
Dina: I hate to say this, Ragini, but you are in terrible shape.
Ragini: I know, what (i) ……….. I do.
Dina: Well, since you are putting on weight, you (ii) ………… plan a healthy diet.
Ragini: You are right. I (iii) ……. not eat so many chocolates and junk food.
Answer:
(i) should
(ii) must
(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 |
| A wicked man once went to/Guru | to | a | Guru | |
| i. | for initiation into spiritual life. Guru | |||
| asked him to give up at least one bad activity. | ||||
| ii. | That night, when he went the royal palace to | |||
| iii. | commit theft, he found man on the | |||
| iv. | terrace, who said that he too was thief. |
Answer:
Word before Omission Word after
(i) life The Guru
(ii) went to the
(iii) found a man
(iv) was a thief
(C) Do as directed 3
(a) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create a meaningful sentence.
Friend A: Hey, how was your day at school?
Friend B: It was great! I aced my math test.
Friend A: Amazing/that’s/i/with/English/struggled/today. [1]
Answer:
That’s amazing! I struggled with English today.
(b) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows. [2]
Teacher: Why are you looking so sad?
Student: I didn’t do well in my math test.
Teacher: Don’t worry, we can work on it together. When is your next test?
Student: In two weeks, ma’am.
The teacher asked the student ……….. (ii) so sad. The student replied that they didn’t do well in their math test. The teacher advised the students………… together. The teacher further asked when the student’s next test was, to which the student replied that it was in two weeks.
Answer:
(i) why they were looking
(ii) not to worry and that they could work on it
Section- D
Literature Textbook (26 marks)
Question 8.
A. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions briefly, for ANY TWO extracts of the three given. (4 + 4 = 8)
Animals for miles around
Flocked towards the magic sound,
And the frog with great precision
Counted heads and charged admission. (The Frog and The Nightingale)
(i) From where did animals rush to the bog? (1)
Answer:
Animals rushed to the bog from far off places.
(ii) What was the magic sound? (1)
Answer:
The magic sound was the melodious voice of the nightingale.
(iii) Which word in the extract means the same as ‘with great accuracy’? (1)
Answer:
The word ‘precision’ in the extract means the same as ‘with great accuracy’.
(iv) What did the frog do there? (1)
Answer:
The frog charged admission fee from each animal coming to hear the nightingale.
B. I must prevent the, Cimber.
These couchings and these lovely courtesies
Might fire the blood of ordinary men,
And turn pre-ordinance and first decree Into the law of children.
Thy brother by decree is banshed:
If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way. (Julius Caesar)
(a) Identify the speaker of the above extract. (1)
Answer:
The given lines are spoken by Julius Caeser.
(b) Who was bending, praying and fawning? (1)
Answer:
Metellius Cimber along with Cassius and Brutus is bending, praying and fawning.
(c) In what context have the above words been spoken? (1)
Answer:
The given words are spoken by Caeser to refuse Metellius Cimber’s request for freeing his brother from banishment.
(d) What do these words reveal about the character of the speaker? (1)
Answer:
The given lines indicate that the speaker is a strong-willed individual who does not tolerate traitors.
C. I had already told Luigi he might have Sunday off. However, I answered, I’ll drive you out myself.
There was a pause. Nicola was glaring at his younger brother in vexation. “We could not think of troubling you, sir.”
“It won’t be any trouble”
He bit his lip, then, in a rather put-out tone, he said, “Very Well.”
(Two Gentilemen of Verona)
(a) who is referred to as ‘sir’ here? (1)
Answer:
Sir here refers to the narrator.
(b) Nicola was glaring at his younger brother for asking the narrator to drive them to Poleta in his car. (1)
Answer:
Nicola was glaring at his younger brother for asking the narrator to drive me to Poleta in his car.
(c) ‘Sir’ had made the offer to drive the boys to Poleta himself. (1)
Answer:
Sir had made the offer to drive the boys to Poleta himself.
(d) The word ‘pause’ means ‘to interrupt action or speech briefly.’ (1)
Answer:
The word ‘pause’ means ‘to interrupt action or speech briefly.
Question 9.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in about 30- 40 words each
(i) How did the killing of the albatross bring ill luck to the mariners?
(The Rime of the Ancient Mariner) [2]
Answer:
The killing of the albatross brought ill luck to the mariners as the breeze stopped blowing and the sails also dropped down. The whole atmosphere was sad and depressing. Their ship was stuck in the middle of the hot and sultry silent sea. There was water everywhere but they couldn’t drink it. There were strange occurrences. They were under the state of a lot of physical and mental agony.
(ii)What do time and war do to the monuments?
(Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments) [2]
Answer:
The monuments erected by kings and princes are not permanent or eternal. They get destroyed or are crumbled in the event of a war as gunshots demolish them. They are discoloured or broken by the passage of time. Both time and war demolish them and they are forgotten by people.
(iii) How does the poet describe the atmosphere of the day when he saw the snake?
(Snake) [2]
Answer:
It was summer season and the day was hot. A snake came to his water trough to drink water beside the big dark carob-tree, which was strange and scented. The poet had to wait there with his pitcher until the snake left.
(iv) What does Mrs. Slater want to possess from the grandfather’s room? What were her plans after his death? (The Dear Departed) [2]
Answer:
Mrs. Slater has her eye on her grandfather’s bureau and the clock. She intends to grab her share of her grandfather’s property. She and her sister Mrs. Jordan are after jewellery, insurance, etc.
(v) Describe the superstitions that scared Calpurnia.
(Julius Caesar) [2]
Answer:
Calpurnia had a nightmare. She saw Caesar’s statue in her dream. Blood was spouting out of it and Romans were dipping their hands in Caesar’s blood. Then she overheard a watchman say that a lioness had given birth to cubs on the street which was weird. There was a conflict in the heavens and graves seemed to have opened up, showing the dead buried inside. All of this scared Calpurnia.
(vi) How did the Roman mob react to Antony’s speech?
(Julius Caesar) [2]
Answer:
The Roman mob got provoked and realized their mistake. They decided to avenge Caesar’s murder and turned against the conspirators for assassinating Caesar. They were also ready to give a proper burial to Caesar.
Question 10.
Answer Any One of the following two questions in about 150 words. (8)
A. Materialistic things don’t last. What matters most are the people we care about and the values we live with. Explain this concerning the poem ‘Not Marble, Nor the Gilded Monuments.’
Answer:
Shakespeare’s sonnet ‘Not Marble, Nor the Gilded Monuments’ portrays time as a mighty destroyer. Accordingly, all material things— worldly power, glory, and prosperity fade away with time. The princes, rulers, and the rich try to perpetuate their memory through gold-plated monuments, memorials, and statues. But all their attempts are in vain, for over some time, such monuments and memorials lose their glory and fall to utter neglect, decay, and deterioration.
The poet is also of the opinion that riches don’t matter much in this world. What is more valuable is his love for his loved one. Which will be reflected in the poem that he has written. This poem, according to the poet, will remain in the memory of everyone who has read it. Hence, the poet’s loved one will also exist in the memory of people till the end of time as nothing can destroy it.
OR
B. “As you sow, so shall you reap,” is a well-known proverb that means that one has to face the consequences of one’s actions. Comment on this statement regarding ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.’
Answer:
It is rightly said that ‘As you sow, so shall you reap. ’ The saying holds in the light of the circumstances in the poem. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’. The arrival of the albatross proved auspicious for the sailors. The south wind started blowing. The frozen waters split and cleared the path for the ship. Then one day, without any motive or reason, the Ancient Mariner killed the albatross.
Soon, troubles started to surface as the wind stopped and the ship couldn’t move further. The stock of freshwater was exhausted and the seawater turned slimy. As time passed, the sailors started hallucinating and were convinced of some spirit haunting them. As their miseries increased, the sailors started condemning the ancient mariner and hung the carcass of the dead albatross around his neck.
The Ancient Mariner, thus, suffered a great deal of mental and physical agony on account of his evil deed which was seen as a sin by all.