Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative with Solutions and marking scheme Set 4 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative Set 4 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)
(A) Drishti was a young woman who had always been fascinated by the supernatural. She had read countless books and watched numerous documentaries about ghosts and otherworldly beings. So, when she heard about an abandoned hotel on the outskirts of town that was said to be haunted, she knew she had to investigate.
(B) One night, Drishti decided to sneak into the dilapidated hotel with a few of her friends. As they made their way through the dark, eerie corridors, they heard strange noises and felt cold spots. They were convinced that they were not alone.
(C) Suddenly, they came across a room that was different from the rest. It was filled with old cooking equipment and strange symbols etched into the walls. Drishti felt a chill run down her spine as she entered the room. She knew that this was where the most paranormal activities occurred. As they were examining the room, they heard a loud bang coming from the hallway. They froze in fear, not knowing what was coming their way. They could hear footsteps approaching, and they knew they had to hide.
(D) They quickly ducked behind some old shelves as the footsteps grew louder. The sound of breathing was getting closer and closer until finally, they saw a figure appear in the doorway. It was a man wearing a chef’s hat, with a face that was twisted in a sinister smile. Drishti and her friends felt their blood run cold as the man approached them. They could feel his cold breath on their faces as he leaned in, whispering in a deep voice, “You shouldn’t be here.”
(E) Drishti and her friends were frozen with fear as they stared into the chef’s eyes. But suddenly, the lights flickered on and the figure disappeared. They looked around the room, and everything seemed normal. They had been so scared that they hadn’t realized they were in a room with faulty wiring.
(F) Disappointed, they realized that their ghost hunt had been a bust. They left the hotel feeling deflated and let down. They had hoped for an exciting, spine-tingling adventure, but all they got was a scary moment caused by faulty wiring. As they drove home, they couldn’t help but feel foolish for getting so worked up over nothing. They had been so convinced that they would find evidence of the paranormal that they had overlooked the simple explanation for the noises they had heard.
(G) Drishti learned an important lesson that night. Sometimes, the scariest things are the ones that we create in our minds. She realized that she didn’t need to chase after the supernatural to experience thrills and excitement. The world around her was full of mystery and wonder, and she was content to experience it without the need for ghosts and ghouls.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the story? [1]
(A) It creates a sense of nostalgia.
(B) It provides a sense of false security.
(C) It adds to the suspense in the story.
(D) It presents a contrast with the real world.
Answer:
(C) It adds to the suspense in the story.
Explanation:
The setting of the abandoned mansion and surrounding woods creates a foreboding atmosphere that adds to the overall dread in the story.
(ii) List two ways, which the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost hunt, is analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream. Answer in 30 -40 words [2]
Answer:
Ways the disappointment that Drishti and her friends felt after their ghost hunt is analogous to the feeling of waking up from a dream — (any 2)
- both involve a sense of disappointment that reality didn’t live up to their expectations.
- In both cases, they may have had high hopes for what they would experience, only to find that it was not as exciting or satisfying as they had hoped.
- Just as waking up from a dream can be jarring and leave us feeling let down, Drishti’s realization that the haunted hotel was not as spooky as she had imagined was a letdown for her and her friends
(iii) What is the main flaw in Drishti’s approach to investigating the haunted hotel? [1]
(A) She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal.
(B) She was too skeptical and refused to believe in the possibility of ghosts.
(C) She relied too heavily on other people’s accounts of the supernatural.
(D) She didn’t take enough precautions to ensure her safety.
Answer:
(A) She was too focused on finding evidence of the paranormal.
Explanation:
Throughout the story, Drishti is fixated on finding evidence of the paranormal in the haunted hotel. She goes in with a preconceived notion of what she expects to find and is willing to overlook other explanations for the strange sounds and experiences she has.
(iv) After which paragraph of the story, would the following paragraph most likely be placed?
They commenced walking through the hotel, Drishti’s torchlight barely illuminating the darkness around her. Suddenly, they heard a loud creaking noise behind them. Drishti whipped around, pointing her flashlight in the direction of the noise. Nothing. Shaken, they all quickened their pace. [1]
Answer:
It would be placed after paragraph 2, because Drishti and her friends have just begun exploring. This paragraph segues into paragraph 3 , as it begins with “Suddenly…”, indicating that something happens after “they all quickened their pace.” The other likely paragraphs could have been 3,4 and 5 but they aren’t suitable as the apparent encounter has already taken place.
(v) Briefly explain (in 30-40 words) any two elements that classify the story as scary. [2]
Answer:
Elements that classify the story as scary — (any two)
- Suspense: The story creates a sense of unease and tension through its use of foreshadowing, eerie descriptions, and unexplained phenomena.
- Eerie atmosphere: The hotel setting contributes to the overall sense of fear and dread, with its dilapidated and abandoned state.
- Supernatural elements: The story includes unexplained noises, movements, and apparitions that suggest the presence of supernatural forces or entities.
- Isolation: Drishti and her friends are all alone in the hotel, adding to the sense of vulnerability and fear.
- Psychological fear: The story plays on the psychological fears of the reader, such as the fear of the unknown, the fear of being watched or followed, and the fear of the dark.
(vi) Substitute the underlined word in the following sentence with a word/ phrase from paragraphs 4-6, that means the same.
The sound of the footsteps outside the door left her petrified and the rasping breathing added to her horror. [1]
Answer:
frozen with fear (paragraph 5)
The word “terrified” could have been used instead of “petrified”, in the question to convey a sense of extreme fear, but they are not the same in meaning. “Terrified” generally means being very afraid, while “frozen in fear” suggests being so scared that one is physically unable to move or react. Hence, “petrified.”
(vii) What is the most significant lesson that Drishti learns from her experience in the haunted hotel? [1]
(A) The importance of avoiding risk-taking.
(B) The need to be more skeptical of the supernatural.
(C) The value of evaluating your weaknesses
(D) The power of imagination to create suspense.
Answer:
(B) The need to be more skeptical of the supernatural.
Explanation:
Throughout the story, Drishti is fascinated by the supernatural and the possibility of encountering ghosts in the haunted hotel. However, the story reveals that many of the scary sounds and experiences there were caused by something as simple as faulty wiring. By the end of the story, Drishti realizes that she needs to be more skeptical of supernatural claims and look for more logical explanations.
(viii) Complete the following appropriately.
Based on the use of the word “dilapidated” to describe the hotel, in Paragraph 2, we can infer that its condition was ……………. [1]
Answer:
(Anyone, from those given / similar)
- …in a state of disrepair and neglect
- …old, damaged, and possibly unsafe (just ‘old’ is not acceptable)
- …in a state of decay
(ix) Complete the sentence appropriately.
If the title, The Hotel Haunting is given to this passage, it would be an inappropriate title, as compared to The Unsettling Encounter at the Abandoned Hotel because ……………….. [1]
Answer:
…it makes assumptions about the presence or absence of ghosts unlike the appropriate title ‘The Unsettling Encounter at the Abandoned Hotel’, which accurately reflects the events of the story, indicating a spooky and unsettling experience at an abandoned hotel.
(x) State whether the given assertion is TRUE or FALSE.
The reason Drishti and her friends visited the abandoned hotel was to prove the existence of ghosts. [1]
Answer:
FALSE
Explanation:
While Drishti and her friends did visit the abandoned hotel to investigate the rumours of ghosts, they didn’t do it to prove their existence. Their goal was to have an exciting adventure and to prove their bravery by spending a night in a supposedly haunted place.
Question 2.
Read the following passage. (10 m)
1. Festivals are synonymous with celebration, ceremony and joy. However, festivals bring to for the flip side of celebrations – pollution – air, water, soil and noise. This led to the need of assessing the awareness level among people about ecological pollution during festivals. So, a study was conducted by scholars of an esteemed university in India. This study was titled Awareness Towards Impact of Festivals on Ecology.
2. There were two main objectives of the study. The first one was to assess the awareness level among people about ecological protection during festivities. Exploring solutions to bring awareness about celebrating festivals without harming ecology was the second objective. The method used to collect data was a simple questionnaire containing 6 1 questions, shared with 50 respondents across four selected districts of a state in the Southern region of India.
3. The research began by understanding the socio-economic conditions of the respondents before sharing the questionnaire. Once the responses were received, the data collected was tabulated (Table 1), for analysis.
Table-1: Awareness level among respondents
| Questions | YES% | NO% | CAN’T SAY% |
| 1. Do you feel that bursting crackers is a must during festivities? | 46 | 54 | 0 |
| 2. Do you think most people abuse environmental resources during the celebration of festivals? | 72 | 28 | 0 |
| 3. Do you think that celebrations and festivities result in uniting people? | 64 | 32 | 4 |
| 4. Do you enjoy bursting crackers for amusement? | 68 | 32 | 0 |
| 5. Do you feel pressured to burst crackers during festivals as an expectation of your social status? | 82 | 12 | 6 |
| 6. Are you aware of waste segregation and disposal guidelines for better ecology? | 56 | 40 | 4 |
4. The study recommended the imposition of strict rules and regulations as opposed to a total ban on all festive activities which have a drastic impact on our environment. The researchers believed that such measures would help in harnessing some ill effects that add to the growing pollution and suggested further studies be taken up across the country to assess awareness about ecological degradation.
5. The observations made in the study pointed to the environmental groups and eco-clubs fighting a losing battle due to city traffic issues, disposal of plastics, garbage dumping and all sorts of ecological degradation. The researchers stressed that the need of the hour is increasing awareness among people to reduce ecological pollution which can be facilitated by celebrating all festivals in an eco-friendly manner. (291 words)
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) What was the objective of the study mentioned in the passage? (2)
Answer:
The objective of the study mentioned in the passage is to assess how much people knew about ecological protection during festivals and to find ways to bring awareness to people about celebrating festivals without harming ecology.
(ii) According to the study, what percentage of people do not enjoy bursting crackers? (1)
(a) More than half
(b) Less than half
(c) A hundred percent
(d) Only adults
Answer:
(b) Less than half
(iii) Justify the researcher’s recommendation for limiting the drastic impact of festival pollution on the environment about lines 16 – 21. (1)
Answer:
The researcher’s recommendation suggests bringing strict rules to ensure a decrease in pollution during festivals. It is much better than the alternative which is to impose a complete ban as it will not only make the people aware of the problems but also increase the chance of a revolt against the ban. Hence, strict rules along with some freedom are a better option.
(iv) According to the passage, the festival is synonymous with ……………… (1)
(a) celebration
(b) ceremony
(c) joy
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
(v) Even though a larger number of people say ‘no’ to bursting crackers than those who say ‘yes’, festival pollution persists. How does evidence from Table 1 support this statement? (2)
Answer:
The table states that a large percentage of people abuse environmental resources to celebrate festivals. As a result, they fail to see its effect on the environment.
(vi) Complete the sentence given below. (1)
The eco-clubs are losing the battle because ……………..
Answer:
of city traffic issues, plastic disposal, and garbage dumping
(vii) Comment on the significance of the second objective of the study about lines 7 – 12. (1)
Answer:
The lines mention the exploration of solutions to bring about awareness about celebrating festivals without harming the environment as the second objective of the study. It is significant because we need to know what steps can be taken to deal with the issue and what should be avoided to fix the problem of increase in pollution during festivals.
(viii) Which of the following was NOT recommended by the study? (1)
(a) Imposition of strict rules
(b) A total ban on festive activities
(c) Punishment for the violators of the regulations
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer:
(b) A total ban on festive activities
Section – B
Writing Skills (22 Marks)
Question 3.
As the school Head Girl, write an email, in about 50 words, to the Teacher Coordinator, Student Enrichment Activities of your school, informing her/him of the need to schedule transport for the participants of the inter-school dance competition, at the mandated venue. Include a reason why you would need a smaller vehicle instead of the school bus. [3]
You may copy the given template to write your email.
| from: | |
| to: | |
| Cc: | [email protected] |
| date: | Sept 10, 2023,07:03 PM |
| subject: | |
Answer:
Suggested response:
From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Date: Sept 10,2023,07:03 PM
Subject: Transport Arrangements for Inter-School Dance Competition
Dear Madam,
With regards to the upcoming inter-school dance competition on 12 Sept.2023, Friday, at the mandated venue, please find it convenient to schedule transportation for our team, from the school premises at 8.30 a.m.. Our school’s participation is only in the senior category, with 6 students, hence, the mini-van would suffice instead of the school bus.
Warm regards.
Yours sincerely
Ratna Manjrekar, Head-Girl
Question 4.
Write a descriptive paragraph, in not more than the clues given below.
- Introduction
- Early life and education
- His achievements
- Awards and honors
- Professional career and works
Answer:
Rabindranath Tagore was an outstanding poet, philosopher, playwright, dramatist, composer, social reformer, and a talented painter. He was born at Jorasanka, Kolkata on 7th May 1861. His father’s name was Devendranath Tagore. His mother’s name was Sarala Devi. He started writing poems in his childhood. Rabindranath wrote many poems, short stories, essays, dramas, novels and songs. He was also a great composer. He composed the national anthem of our country, Jana Gana Mana. His important works are Gitanjali, Ghare Baire, Rabindra Sangeet, Amar Sonar Bangla, etc. He was the first Indian to win the Nobel Prize in 1913 for ‘Gitanjali’. Tagore was also very fond of drawing and painting. He drew several sketches doodles and paintings. He died on 7th August 1941. Rabindranath Tagore will remain in our hearts forever.
Question 5.
(a) Write a letter to the librarian, City Library, in not more than 120 words, for purchase and addition of popular fiction and non-fiction titles in Braille and also the intake of audiobooks, to promote inclusion. You are an NGO employee, from the same city. You may use ideas from Unit 2: Education, along with your ideas to write this letter. [7]
OR
(b) You are a sports scout. Write a letter to the Governor of your region, drawing attention to the need for creating and upgrading sports facilities and following practices to enable the local/indigenous sporting talent from your city, to hone their skills. Include specific recommendations. Write the letter in not more than 120 words using ideas from
Unit 1: Health and Medicine, along with your own.
A person who uses their expertise and knowledge of the sport to identify potential talent and recruit individuals who can contribute to the team’s success.
Answer:
53, Sithla Nagar
Villapuram
23 July 2023
The Librarian
The City Library
30, Grande Avenue
Villapuram
Sir
Subject: Request for Addition of Braille and Audio Books
I am writing to request the inclusion of popular fiction and non-fiction titles in Braille and audiobooks, in the City Library. I truly believe that the library should strive to promote inclusion and accessibility for all readers, including those with visual and other impairments.
Many readers with visual impairment are often unable to access the same titles as others. By adding Braille and audiobooks to the library’s collection, we can ensure that these readers have the same access to a wide range of books and can engage with the world of literature as fully as anyone else.
I urge you to consider this matter and add Braille and audiobooks to the library’s collection. I believe this move will help promote inclusion and accessibility in our community and help everyone to enjoy the benefits of reading.
Yours sincerely
(Krishna Naidu)
OR
12-A/F, Vaikunth Towers
Wagheilly, J.P.
17 August 2023
The Governor
Bharat Ghar
Ludnaam, J.P.
Madam
Subject: Requirement of Sports Facilities to Promote Local Talent
This is to draw your attention to the pressing need for creating and upgrading sports facilities in our region to support the development of local and indigenous sporting talent. Areas like Wagheilly have a vast pool of untapped talent, and there is a pressing need to provide them with the necessary infrastructure to help them hone their skills.
As an experienced sports scout, I can vouch for the fact that facilities like multi-purpose indoor sports complexes, outdoor sports fields, and running tracks with proper maintenance and lighting facilities are needed. Access to training and fitness centers and physiotherapy clinics, scholarships, mentorship programs, and tournaments can also promote talent and offer opportunities for local athletes to showcase their skills and earn recognition.
By investing in sports and promoting local talent, we can create a culture of excellence and inspire the youth to take up sports as a career. I hope my suggestions will be taken into consideration and will help create a city that promotes sports and the growth of local and indigenous sporting talent.
Yours sincerely
Biren Shukla
Sports Scout
Question 6.
A. While reading about new places and searching for them online has its merits, the advantages of actually traveling to various destinations far exceed them. Write an article for the magazine ‘Travel Times’, evaluating both these options. You may use the clues given below along with your ideas and those you may have gathered from Unit 5 : Travel and Tourism : (8)
Clues
- Builds confidence
- Make friends and memories
- Experience new cultures
- Expands knowledge
Answer:
Travelling in 20**
by XYZ
Travelling is a great thing, it refreshes our minds and makes us aware of other places and cultures. Some people do screen travelling these days. By ‘screen travelling1,1 mean that they discover the new places on their personal computers, laptops, tabs, mobiles, etc. By doing this, they get to know a lot about the places without actually visiting them. Such a travel educates them about new places and their cultures, histories, etc. They also get to know about the experience of other travellers.
However, travelling to a place physically is a unique experience. It builds our confidence by exposing us to new experiences. We get an opportunity to meet new people and make friends. We also get to make memories in this process by clicking pictures, creating blogs, videos, etc. Travelling widens our horizons by exposing us to different languages, cultures, festivals, etc. We get to know about the demography of a country through travelling.
So, all in all travelling physically to a place is much more entertaining than screen travelling. We must try to travel new places whenever we get time to rejuvenate our body and mind.
OR
B. Teachers are regarded as nation builders. They are responsible for developing the character of students and transforming them into responsible citizens. Write an article on the topic, ‘Role of the Teacher in Society’. Use the given clues along with the ideas that you have gathered from Unit 2 : Education.
Clues
- Key role in growth
- Nation-builders
- Develop character and transform children
- Support system
- Role models
Answer::
Role of Teacher in the Society
by XYZ
Teachers play a key role in the growth of the society. Teachers are regarded as nation builders. They are responsible for not only educating the children but also for developing their character and transforming them into responsible citizens.
The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow and teachers are those significant individuals that make a child ready for their future. Teachers act as a support system that is lacking elsewhere in students’ lives. They help them shape opinions and form ideas about societies, life, and personal goals. This expands students’ limits and pushes their creativity.
The teacher’s role in society is both valuable and significant. They are the ultimate role models for students. They can see each child’s strengths and weaknesses and provide better guidance. They are the gurus who build our character while inculcating discipline in students. Teachers have a major contribution to society’s development and upliftment. They teach the students the right values of life and the difference between right and wrong. Thus, teachers are truly the backbone of society who make the students realize the best of their abilities.
Section – C
Grammar (10 Marks)
Question 7.
Complete the tasks A-C, as directed.
(A) Fill in the blanks (i) -(iii) with the appropriate option from those in the brackets. [3]
Time travel (i) ……………… (ought to /should/ could) become a reality shortly, (ii) …………….. (allows/ allowed/ allowing) human beings to experience the thrill of traveling back or forward in time. However, (iii) ……………… (most/ many/ much) challenges must be overcome, such as ensuring safety and affordability for all
potential time-travellers.
Answer:
(i) could [MODAL/ possibility] become a reality shortly,
(ii) allowing [TENSE] human beings to experience the thrill of travelling back or forward in time.
(iii) However, many [DETERMINER] challenges must be overcome, such as ensuring safety and affordability for all potential time travelers.
(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 |
| e.g. | Ever wondered sleep deficit? Well, | wondered | about | sleep |
| (i) | sleep deficit a common problem among | |||
| teenagers today, with many staying up late | ||||
| (ii) | to use electronic devices. This lead to | |||
| (iii) | difficulty in concentrating, mood swings, even | |||
| (iv) | Teens need to prioritize sleep to ensure their overall health and well-being. |
Answer:
Omission: (Vi for word before and after + Vi for omission); No credit ,if either word before or after is missing or these words are completely missing.
| No. | Text | Word before | Omission | Word after |
| (i) | sleep deficit a common problem among teenagers today, with many staying up late | deficit | is | a |
| (ii) | to use electronic devices. This lead to | This | can | lead |
| (iii) | difficulty in concentrating, mood swings, even | swings | and | even |
| (iv) | It’s important for teens to prioritize sleep to ensure their overall health and wellbeing. |
(C) Do as directed. [3]
(i) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create a meaningful sentence.
Did you know that the lack of hydrological resources affects more than 40% of the world population?
No, I didn’t. What are hydrological resources?
(i) Water Resources,/ Survival/ and plant/ to human/ Animal,/ Refer to/ which/ are Vital/ Hydrological resources.
Answer:
Hydrological Resources Refer To Water Resources, Which Are Vital To Human, Animal, And Plant Survival. [Relative Clause-modifies “Hydrological resources”]
(ii) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows.
Photographer: I want to use a drone for photographing your event.
Customer: Really! Do you usually offer this advice?
Photographer: No. I don’t. Your event is in an open and picturesque area and I want to capture the complete scene.
Answer:
…if she usually offered that advice
The photographer told the customer that she wanted to use a drone to photograph his event. The customer exclaimed in surprise and asked (ii) …………….. The photographer replied in the negative and shared that (iii) …………………. as his event was in an open and picturesque area.
Answer:
….she wanted to capture the complete scene…
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)
Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command. (Ozymandias)
(i) What lay near the trunkless legs of stone? (1)
Answer:
Near the trunkless legs of stone lay the partially buried broken face of the statue.
(ii) Describe the expression on the face of the visage. (1)
Answer:
On the face of the visage, the traveler could see the expression of a frown, wrinkled lip and a sneer of cold command.
(iii) What does sneer of cold commandment? (1)
Answer:
The expression ‘sneer of cold command’ means the facial expression of scorn or hostility.
(iv) What do you mean by ‘shattered’? (1)
Answer:
The word ‘shattered’ means ‘to be broken into pieces’.
B. After all, Dad always says about the memory of the computer. It can never forget, Michael. Nothing ever gets lost.
But even if Sebastian’s memory might have been stored on disk, how had it ended up on my computer?
Scrolling down the article I found a possible explanation. (Virtually True)
(i) Who is ‘I’ in the given extract? (1)
Answer:
In the given extract, ‘I’ is Michael Dawson.
(ii) Which article is mentioned here? (1)
Answer:
The article referred to here is the newspaper article describing the recovery of Sebastian Shultz from a coma.
(iii) What do you mean by ‘scrolling?’ (1)
Answer:
The word scrolling refers to the action of moving displayed text or graphics up or down.
(iv) What has happened to Sebastian Shultz? (1)
Answer:
Sebastian Shultz was badly injured in a motorway accident and had gone into a coma.
C. Mrs. Slater : yes, he’s gone. He was seventy-two a fortnight last Sunday. (She sniffs back a tear. Mrs. Jordan sits on the left of the table. Mrs. Slater is on the right. Henry in the armchair. Ben on the sofa with Victoria near him.)
Ben : (chirpily) “Now, Amelia, you mustn’t give way. We’ve all got to die sometimes or in difficult situations.
(i) Explain the phrase, ‘give way’. (1)
Answer:
The phrase ‘give way’ means to show emotions of sorrow.
(ii) What prompts the speaker Lo say these words? (1)
Answer:
The speaker, Ben, says these words to get his sister-in-law Mrs. Slater to stop crying at the death of her father.
(iii) What does he mean when he says ‘It might have been worse’? (1)
Answer:
Through the given words, the speaker says that the grandfather died peacefully in his sleep If he had died suffering from an illness or any other cause, it would have died a painful death.
(iv) What does it reveal about the speaker’s character? (1)
Answer:
The given lïnes show that the speaker. Mr. Jordan, seems to know how to present himself in difficult situations.
Question 9.
Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in about 30- 40 words each 5 X2=10
(i) How effective is the use of the phrase “Nothing beside remains”, in conveying the theme of the transience and impermanence of power and human achievement, in Ozymandias by EB.Shelley? [2]
Answer:
It is highly effective as it emphasizes the idea that even the greatest accomplishments of human beings will eventually crumble and disappear, leaving behind only the inevitable march of time. By emphasizing this theme, Ozymandias serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of human existence and the futility of pursuing power and glory at the expense of more meaningful pursuits.
(ii) What does the writer wish to convey via the use of the metaphor for a false friend in the given line from The Letter? [2]
…the cold used sleep to extend its sway over all things even as a false friend lulls his chosen victim with caressing smiles.
Answer:
The metaphor of a false friend is used in The Letter to describe the winter cold, which is depicted as a treacherous and sneaky force that gradually extends its sway over all things. Like a false friend, the cold initially seems harmless and even welcoming, as it lulls its victims into a false sense of security with its “caressing smiles.” However, as the metaphor suggests, the cold is not a friend at all, but rather a deceiver who ultimately seeks to harm and control its victims.
(iii) Comment on Elsie Brown’s writing style in the story, The Shady Plot. [2]
Answer:
Elsie Brown’s writing style in A Shady Plot is characterized by its light and humorous tone. The story is written in the first-person point of view of the protagonist, John Hallock. Brown’s writing is concise and clear, with a good use of dialogue and description to create vivid scenes and characters. She uses irony and satire to poke fun at the publishing industry and its practices. Overall, her writing style effectively conveys the story’s humor and underlying message, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
(iv) In Patol Babu, Film Star, how is Patol Babu’s character a commentary on the struggling actors in the film industry? [2]
Answer:
Through Patol Babu’s character, Satyajit Ray highlights the plight of the struggling actors who often go unnoticed and the difficulties they face in getting even small roles. Patol Babu’s dedication to his craft and his ability to turn even a minor role into a memorable one is a testament to the hard work and determination of many such individuals in the industry.
(v) In the story, Virtually True, Michael said, “That’s what I like about computers. The more futuristic they get, the better you can understand the past.” Explain what he meant. [2]
Answer:
Michael is expressing his enthusiasm for the capabilities of modern technology, such as computers, to help him experience and understand historical events and settings in a more immersive way. He is suggesting that as technology advances and becomes more futuristic, it can allow people to have more vivid and realistic experiences that bring the past to life. This could include using virtual reality technology to explore historical sites or playing interactive games that simulate historical events. Michael sees technology as a tool that can enhance our understanding and appreciation of the past.
(vi) What is Stanley Houghton’s primary purpose in employing irony in the play ‘The Dear Departed’? [2]
Answer:
(The answer can be woven using a couple of the given points)
Stanley Houghton’s primary purpose in employing irony in The Dear Departed is:
- to satirize the societal values and behaviors of his time, particularly the greed and materialism of the middle class
- expose the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of characters like the Slaters and the Jordans, who prioritize money and possessions over family and morality.
- Allow the audience to see the absurdity and superficiality of these characters’ values and beliefs, and to question the larger societal values that have led to such behavior.
- Ncriticize the materialistic and self-centered attitudes that were prevalent in his time, and call for a return to more genuine and compassionate values.
Question 10.
Answer Any One of the following two questions in about 150 words. (8)
“It is not the magnitude of the work but the way it is performed that makes it significant or insignificant”. Discuss in the light of the story Patol Babu, Film Star.
Answer:
The magnitude of any work should not be determined by how big or small a piece of work is. Work should be measured for its dedication, hard work and sincerity. Patol Babu’s dialogue speaking is a perfect example of it. Only a monosyllabic word ‘Oh’ was given to Patol Babu to speak. It was a small and insignificant role but it proves to be a litmus test for his acting skills.
Patol Babu rehearsed his dialogue over and over again. He practiced saying his single word ‘dialogue’ in many fascinating ways. As a result, when he performed his part and uttered the word with so much anguish and surprise, he transformed this insignificant narrative into a very important part of the film. Not only the director but the actors were also very impressed by his performance. Patol Babu proved that no work or role is small or petty. The way it is performed makes it significant or insignificant.
OR
Despite having a melodious voice and being a crowd-puller, the nightingale turns out to be a loser and dies. How far is she responsible for her downfall? (The Frog and The Nightingale)
Answer:
It is true that despite having a melodious voice and being a crowd-puller, the nightingale turns out to be a loser and dies. The nightingale had a melodious voice. Her voice attracted all the creatures of the bog towards her. They admired her songs and always demanded her to sing more and more. Despite this, the nightingale turns out to be a loser and dies. Her lack of confidence and servile attitude led her to believe the crafty frog. She fell into the frog’s trap and met with a tragic end. This teaches us that one should have faith in oneself and should not blindly believe what others say.
The nightingale was a gullible creature who believed the frog to be a great authority in music. She did not use her intelligence and could not see through the frog’s crafty ways. She should have used her common sense that she is being appreciated by others for her melodious voice and a lot of creatures come to hear her song. The nightingale is solely responsible for her downfall as she trusts the frog and allows herself to be fooled by him.