Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative with Solutions and marking scheme Set 9 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Communicative Set 9 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
1. People have been playing chess for over 500 years. The chess we play today came from Europe. Chess is a two-player game. One player uses the white pieces. The other uses the black pieces. Each piece moves specially. One piece is called the king and each player has one. The players take turns moving their pieces. If a player lands on a piece, he or she takes it. The game ends when a player loses his or her king. There are a few more rules, but these are the basics.
2. The players of chess believe that it makes the mind stronger. Good chess players use their brains. They take their time. They think about what will happen next. These skills are useful in life and in chess. Chess is like a workout for the brain.
3. You don’t always have lots of time to think while playing chess. There is a type of chess with short time limits. It’s called blitz chess. In blitz chess, each player gets ten minutes to use for the whole game. Your clock runs during your turn. You hit the time clock after your move. This stops your clock. It also starts the other player’s clock. If you run out of time, you lose. Games of blitz chess are fast-paced.
4. Chess is not just for people. Computers have been playing chess since the 1970s. At first, they did not play well. They made mistakes. As time went on, they grew stronger. In 1997, a computer beat the best player in the world for the first time. It was a computer called Deep blue. Deep Blue was big. It took up a whole room. By 2006 a cell phone could beat the best players in the world. Chess surely has come a long way. Don’t you think so?
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) What happens when a player in chess lands on an opponent’s piece? [1]
(A) The game ends.
(B) The piece is removed from the board.
(C) The player loses their next turn.
(D) The player wins the game.
Answer:
(B) The piece is removed from the board.
Explanation:
When a player in chess lands on an opponent’s piece, that piece is removed from the board to signify the capture.
(ii) Explain the significance of chess as a mental workout, as mentioned in the passage. How does playing chess strengthen the mind? [2]
Answer:
Chess is like a workout for the brain because it requires players to think, strategize, and plan. It strengthens the mind by improving skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, and concentration, which are valuable not only in chess but also in life.
(iii) Arrange the following events in chronological order: [1]
(A) Introduction of blitz chess with short time limits
(B) Computers playing chess since the 1970s
(C) A computer called Deep Blue beating the world’s best player in 1997
(D) Chess originating in Europe over 500 years ago
Answer:
1. D. Chess originating in Europe over 500 years ago
2. B. Computers playing chess since the 1970s
3. C. A computer called Deep Blue beating the world’s best player in 1997
4. A. Introduction of blitz chess with short time limits
(iv) Describe how chess has evolved with the advent of computer play, from the early days to modern times. How have computers influenced the game of chess? [2]
Answer:
In the early days, computers played chess poorly and made mistakes. Over time, they became stronger players, and in 1997, a computer called Deep Blue beat the world’s best player. By 2006, even a cell phone could defeat the best human players. Computers have significantly advanced the game of chess by providing strong opponents for human players and enabling the development of sophisticated chess-playing algorithms.
(v) What does “blitz chess” refer to in the context of the passage? [1]
Answer:
‘Blitz chess’ refers to a type of chess with short time limits where each player has only ten minutes to make all their moves for the entire game. It is a fast-paced version of chess.
(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The objective of chess as stated in the passage is ………. [1]
Answer:
the game ends when a player loses his or her king.
(vii) By 2006 a cell phone could beat the best players in the world. This suggests that ……………… [1]
(A) chess players had become less skilled
(B) cell phone technology has advanced significantly
(C) computers were no longer interested in chess
(D) Deep Blue was the only computer capable of winning against humans
Answer:
(B) cell phone technology has advanced significantly
Explanation:
The statement indicates that by 2006, cell phone technology had advanced to the point where they could compete effectively in chess.
(viii) Substitute the underlined word in the following sentence with a word/ phrase from the passage, that means the same. [1]
The game concludes when a player loses his or her king.
Answer:
end
Explanation:
The game ends when a player loses his or her king.
(ix) State whether the given statement is True or False: [1]
Chess has been played for over 500 years, and it originated in Asia.
Answer:
False
Explanation:
Chess has been played for over 500 years, but it originated in India, not Asia.
(x) Identify the name of the computer that beat the best player in the world for the first time in 1997, as mentioned in the passage. [1]
Answer:
Deep Blue was the first computer to beat the best player in the world.
Question 2.
Read the passage carefully. (10 m)
A new poll of global experts by the Thomson Reuters Foundation suggests that India is perceived as the most dangerous country for women. India’s rise to the top place is driven by the perception of rising sexual violence in the country, Thomson Reuters Foundation reported. However, a Mint analysis of data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted across developing nations of the world shows that the incidence of sexual violence reported by women is lower in India than in most other countries for which such data is available.
According to the data provided by the DHS, the incidence of such violence against women has declined over time. Of the 43 countries for which recent data on sexual violence is available, India ranks 32 when it comes to the share of women, aged 15 – 49, who experienced such violence in their lifetime.
From the details given above, there seems to arise a dissonance between the perception of India, as recorded by the Thomson Reuters Foundation poll of around 550 global experts, and the actual experiences of millions of women across the world, as recorded by the DHS surveys. While the DHS surveys may underestimate the true extent of sexual violence faced by women, there is little reason to believe that the bias, if it indeed exists, is higher for India than for other countries. While the risk of sexual violence in India is undeniable, India does not seem to be the most dangerous place when it comes to the risk of sexual violence.
The nature of sexual violence women face, however, has a unique dimension in India. Chances that the perpetrator of sexual violence is known to the victim are among the highest. Most offenders tend to be partners of the victims. The high share of known offenders might also partly explain why most sexual assaults go unreported in the country As pointed out, 99% of sexual assaults in the country go unreported. Even if one excludes marital rape, 85% of sexual a ssau go unreported. The silver lining in the data is that the actual incidence of sexual violence, as recorded by NFHS (the DHS of India), has declined over the past decade even as the reporting of sexual assaults has risen.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) As a reader whose data would you accept as more accurate? Give reasons for your answer. (2)
Answer:
As a reader, I would find the data produced by the DHS to be more accurate as it covers the real experiences of millions of women across the world. In opposition, the Thomas Reuters Foundation covers the data received from experts.
(ii) What does the passage try to claim? (1)
(a) India is not the most dangerous country for women.
(b) The surveys often take incorrect data.
(c) India has been subduing the patriarchal structure.
(d) There are discrepancies in various surveys regarding women’s health.
Answer:
(a) India is not the most dangerous country for women.
(iii) The nature of sexual violence women face, however, has a unique dimension in India Give a reason for such a claim. (2)
Answer:
The nature of sexual violence women face indeed has a unique dimension in India. This is so because, in India, the perpetrator of sexual violence is known to the victim.
(iv) The countries that participate in the DHS are (1)
(a) third world countries
(b) developed countries
(c) developing countries
(d) Asian countries
Answer:
(c) developing countries
(v) Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the given statement. (1)
In the modern world, people are still not reporting sexual assaults as the numbers have been increasing.
Answer:
The given statement is incorrect because in the present world, more and more women are reporting sexual assaults as a result of which the actual incidents of assaults have decreased.
(vi) Complete the sentence based on the following statement. (1)
According to the Thomson Reuters Foundation, India is the most dangerous country for women because of ………………..
Answer:
rising cases of sexual violence.
(vii) Does the following statement agree with the information given in the last Paragraph?
The Data produced by DHS is much more reliable than that produced by the Thomas Reuter’s Foundation. (1)
True if the statement agrees with the information
False if the statement contradicts the information
Not Given if there is no information on this
Answer:
Not Given. The passage does not seem to imply that the survey report published by the DHS is much more reliable than that of Thomas Reuters Foundation. It just highlights the variablility in the data published by the two foundations.
(viii) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option. (1)
The case of known offenders explains the ………………
(a) rising nature of sexual violence
(b) unreported nature of cases of violence
(c) dissonance between data and reality
(d) unfearful attitude of offenders
Answer:
(b) unreported nature of cases of violence
Section- B
Writing Skills (22 Marks)
Question 3.
As Dvija of Class X, Head Boy/Head Girl, Vijay Path Public School, Patna write an email in not more than 50 words to the principal of your neighbouring school Sacred Hearts School, Patna inviting them to send participants in an inter-school science fair competition being organised by your school to celebrate the birthday of CV Raman. Use the following format. [3]
From:
To:
Cc: [email protected]
Date: 3 September 20XX 03:07 PM
Subject:
Answer:
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Date: 3 September 20XX, 3:07 p.m.
Subject: Invitation to Participate in Inter-School Science Fair
Dear Principal,
I hope this email finds you well. As the Head Girl of Vijay Path Public School, Patna, I am delighted to extend an invitation to your esteemed institution to participate in our upcoming inter-school science fair competition. We are organizing this event to celebrate the birthday of the renowned scientist, CV Raman.
Your school’s participation would enhance the academic spirit of the competition and contribute to its success. We look forward to your positive response.
Warm regards
Yours sincerely
Dvija
Head Girl
Question 4.
Write a descriptive paragraph on a computer. (4)
Answer:
A computer is an electronic gadget used to process, store, and show information. In any case, this is an act of excessive simplification of what a computer is as the gadget has developed to play out a few different capacities that surpass the above depiction. Computers are commonly grouped into three kinds, depending on how they process data. To this end, they have delegated simple, digital, and hybrid computers. This characterization decides the speed and precision of every computer. A computer can serve a few capacities besides storing and preparing information. Some of them are to control machines and hardware, to arrange business and adventure, to sell items and services, and to direct research for scholarly purposes. The computer is now a member of our everyday lives. The innovation has discovered its way into all parts of our lives. Till the end, the computer will remain valuable in each field.
Question 5.
(a) You are Rajeev/Ragini, the Head Chef, of Mansarovar, Hyderabad, and you have received a shipment of ingredients from your supplier, but some of the items are spoiled or past their expiration date. Write a letter of complaint in 120 words to the supplier, M/s Star Suppliers detailing the issues with the shipmentÿand requesting a resolution. [7]
OR
(b) Though there is a movement like the ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’ and the enrollment of underprivileged children in schools, there are still many children, like the one in the picture, who do not go to school, rather they have never even seen a school. It is indeed disturbing. You decide to write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing your views and the steps to be taken. Take ideas from the MCB unit ‘Education’. Write a letter in about 120 words.
Answer:
(a) Mansarovar
Hyderabad
17 September 20XX
M/s Star Suppliers
Mangalore
Dear Sir
Subject: Complaint Regarding Spoiled and Expired Ingredients
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to express my concern regarding our recent shipment of ingredients from your esteemed company, M/s Star Suppliers. As the Head Chef of Mansarovar in Hyderabad, we rely on the quality and freshness of ingredients to provide exceptional dining experiences to our valued customers.
However, upon receiving the shipment on [Date], we discovered that several items were spoiled or past their expiration date. This included [List of Affected Items]. This situation has not only caused inconvenience but has also affected our ability to maintain the high standards of cuisine that our patrons expect.
We kindly request your immediate attention to this matter and a prompt resolution. We expect either a replacement of the spoiled items or a refund for the affected items.
We value our long-standing business relationship with M/s Star Suppliers and hope for a swift resolution to this issue. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Contact Information] to discuss this matter further.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Rajiv
Head Chef
Mansarovar
Hyderabad
OR
(b) 87A Saket Colony
Agra
25 October 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Sir
Subject: Educating the Underprivileged
Through the columns of your reputed newspaper, I wish to draw your attention towards the movement ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’ which aims at providing education to all children. Even the act RTE-Right to Education ensures education for all children between the ages of four to fourteen. However, these movements and acts are not effectively implemented anywhere, especially among the underprivileged class. There are still many children who do not go to school. They either work as domestic laborers or work in factories, dhabas, etc. It is disturbing to note that our government’s plans are not bearing any fruit. It is all because of the lack of awareness about this kind of movement.
We all need the help of print media as well as electronic media to spread the message of awareness to the masses. The underprivileged children must be made to realize that they have the right to get an education. So, they must go to school. The foremost thing is to discourage child labour to give these children a bright future. I hope you will pay attention to this noble cause and publish it in your newspaper.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Siddharth Singh
Question 6.
A. According to 2011 Census, literacy rate of hundred per cent or around has been achieved by only a couple of states in India. Illiteracy is found mostly among the old and the deprived sections of society. What can the youth do to spread literacy in society? Write an article on ‘Role of students in eradicating illiteracy’. Use the ideas that you may have gathered from MCB Unit 2 : Education. (8)
Answer:
Role of Students in Eradicating Illiteracy
by XYZ
Illiteracy is truly a curse to society. It not only makes the masses helpless but also hinders their development. According to the 2011 census, the 100% literacy rate of Kerala and Lakshadweep is just a small achievement on the path of literacy in the country where a majority of people are still illiterate. If we look at the proportion of the illiterate population in the nation, one can easily point out that the old and deprived section of the society majorly constitute the category. Children and even adults who want to study are not properly educated due to the lack of financial resources. Even with many government schemes, the aim is yet to be fulfilled where we see everyone getting at least the required level of education.
The youth are the leaders of tomorrow. Hence, only the youth can achieve this goal because they are active, full of energy and have nimbleness in their actions. If the youngsters adopt the motto “Each one, Teach one” and devote time to teach illiterates during their vacations literacy can improve drastically. If they create awareness among people about the importance of literacy, people will not resist supporting them to achieve their target. Infact, they can also involve NGOs, Nation Literary Missions and other social groups towards the cause. Thus, the youth must involve themselves in the enhancement of literary and eradication of the curse of illiteracy.
OR
B. Increase in the number of private vehicles has caused problems like rising air pollution, traffic jams, lack of parking space, road rage etc. The solution lies in the use of public transport. Write an article on ‘The Importance of Public Transport’. Use the ideas that you may have gathered from MCB Unit 4 : Environment.
Answer:
The Importance of Public Transport
by PQR
Transport accounts for a substantial and growing proportion of several problems prevalent in Indian cities. Besides causing traffic jams, parking space problems and road rage, the increasing number of vehicles lead to increasing air pollution. This calls for a greater share of public transport in meeting mobility needs. Public transport has many advantages. The first is that it saves fuel, reduces an individual’s carbon footprint, and reduces^ traffic congestion. Public vehicles move people efficiently while producing significantly less air pollution to move one passenger one mile. It is easier to implement the usage of eco-friendly fuels in public transportation systems.
A bus with 7 – 8 passengers is more fuel efficient than an average single occupant car. It not only saves fuel, but also money and energy. Understanding the need of the hour, the government is introducing many rules so that people start using public vehicles. The odd – even rule started by Chief Minister of Delhi, was initiated to encourage the use of public transport and thereby reduce pollution caused by traffic. The authorities are working hard to make public aware of how useful, efficient and less damaging to the environment the use of public transport is.
Section- C
Grammar (10 Marks)
Complete the tasks A-C, as directed.
Question 7.
(A) Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those in the brackets. [3]
A doctor had the habit of talking to the trees (i) …………. (on/in//with) the roadside as he took (ii) ……………… (my/his/her) walks in the evening. He would (iii) …………… (bend/bended/bending) to kiss the trees lovingly and whisper kind words to them This was an odd but beautiful sight.
Answer:
(i) on
(ii) his
(iii) bend
(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. [4]
| Word before | Omission | Word after | ||
| The Great Wall of China a series of fortifications made |
China |
is |
a |
|
| i | stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials. It was | |||
| ii | built along northern borders of China to protect against invasions. The wall | |||
| iii | stretches over 13,000 miles and the longest wall in the world. It | |||
| iv | has estimated that over 10 million people visit the Great Wall every year. |
Answer:
Word before Omission Word after
(i) made of stone
(ii) along the northern
(iii) and is the
(iv) has been estimated
(C) Do as directed
(a) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create a meaningful sentence. [1]
(i) Ravish: Have you watched the new movie?
Hari: Yes! It was amazing, we went to watch it this Sunday.
Ravish: I / also / it / watched / yes / it / a great / watch / was
Answer:
Yes. I have also watched it. It was a great watch.
(b) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraphs that follow. [2]
Vijay: Why are you looking so down?
Anand: I fought with my partner, Vijay.
Vijay: Don’t worry, we can talk about it and find a solution. When did the fight happen?
Anand: Yesterday, Vijay.
Vijay asked Anand ………….. (ii). Anand replied that they fought with their partner. Vijay assured Anand that …………….. (iii) and find a solution. Vijay further asked when the fight happened, to which Anand replied that it was yesterday.
Answer:
(ii) why they were looking so down
(iii) they could talk about it
Section- D
Literature Textbook
Question 8.
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions briefly, for ANY TWO extracts of the three given. (4 + 4 = 8)
A. For now the postmaster understood Ali’s heart and his very soul. After spending but a single night in suspense, anxiously waiting for news of his daughter, his heart was brimming with sympathy for the poor man who had spent his nights in the same suspense for the last five years. (The Letter)
(i) Why did the postmaster go to the post office at 3 a.m. on that day? (1)
Answer:
The postmaster went to the post office at 3 a.m. that day because he was worried about his ill daughter. He had not received any news about her for two days and wanted to give Miriam’s letter to Ali himself.
(ii) How was the postmaster’s heart changed towards Ali? (1)
Answer:
When the postmaster himself suffered anxiety due to his daughter’s illness, he realized Ali’s pain. This changed his heart towards Ali.
(iii) The word ‘comprehended’ is a synonym of the word in the extract. (1)
Answer:
understood
(iv) What was the problem faced by Ali? (1)
Answer:
The problem faced by Ali was regarding his daughter. Ali’s daughter had gone to another town after marriage five years ago. Since then, he had never heard from her and was expecting a letter from her.
B. His condition, on arrival at the General Hospital. vas described as critical but stable. Despite doctors, hopes, the boy did not regain consciousness. His parents were informed that their son was in a coma. (Virtually True)
(i) Who was unconscious? (1)
Answer:
The boy Sebastian Shultz was unconscious.
(ii) What had happened to him? (1)
Answer:
Sebastian had met with a road accident and was in coma ever since.
(iii) What do you mean by ‘coma’? (1)
Answer:
‘Coma’ means a state of long lasting deep unconsciousness.
(iv) Could he be brought back from coma? (1)
Answer:
Yes, Sebastian could be brought back from coma and everyone called it a miracle.
C. “Yes,” the frog replied. “You see
I’m the frog who owns this tree.
In this fog I’ve long been known
For my splendid baritone
And, of course, I wield my pen
For Bog Trumpet now and then.” (The Frog and the Nightingale)
(i) Who is being addressed to? (1)
Answer:
The nightingale is being addressed to.
(ii) What does ‘splendid baritone’ mean? (1)
Answer:
The phrase splendid baritone means a fairly deep male singing voiœ and here it refers to the vice of the frog who praises himself saying that he has a splendid baritone.
(iii) What does the frog wield his pen for? (1)
Answer:
The frog claims that whenever there is any musical performance in the bog, he wields his pen to write a song.
(iv) Identify the rhyme scheme of the given stanza. (1)
Answer:
The rhyme scheme ot the given stanza is aa bb cc.
Question 9.
Answer ANY EIVE of the following six questions in about 30- 40 words each
(i) To some extent the nightingale was responsible for her downfall and death. Comment. (The frog and the Nightingale) [2]
Answer:
The nightingale was a brainless creature who got carried away by the frog’s appreciation. She could not guess that she was being fooled by the frog. (a) her strong desire for recognition and fame.
(ii) Why did the poet throw a log at the snake? [2]
Answer:
The poet threw a log at the snake because the voice of education and social conventions made him think that the snake which is golden-brown, is venomous and must be killed. Moreover, The poet wanted to stop the snake from disappearing into the hole or make it run.
(iii) What does Henry mean by ‘I suppose it’s in the family’? [2]
Answer:
Henry Slater uttered the words. I suppose it’s in the family when Amelia calls her sister Elizabeth heartless and insensitive, she also feels that Elizabeth is selfish and greedy. Henry, by saying these words, meant that it is not only Elizabeth but Amelia is also of the same nature.
(iv) What are the three things that Grandfather plans to do next Monday? [2]
Answer:
Grandfather plans to do three things next Monday. He decides to consult a lawyer and alter his will in favor of Mrs. John Shorrocks. Secondly, he decides to marry Mrs. Shorrocks, and third, he has to pay his insurance premium which is due.
(v) Why did Mrs. Packletide decide to give a party in honor of Loona Bimberton? What did she plan to present Loona on her birthday? [2]
Answer:
Mrs. Packletide’s only aim in life was to surpass Loona Bimberton, who was very popular for her adventurous and exciting deeds. By giving a party in her honor, Mrs. Packletide wanted to show her that she had done a more adventurous and exciting thing by shooting a tiger. She even wanted to gift a tiger-claw brooch to Loona on her birthday just to outshine her.
(vi) Prove that Miss Mebbin had a protective elder sisterly attitude towards the money spent by Mrs. Packletide. [2]
Answer:
Miss Mebbin, the paid companion of Mrs. Packletide, had a protective elder sisterly attitude towards money. She was a great lover of money. Many times she had saved roubles, centimes, and francs by not tipping. She had asked Mrs. Packletide also to pay less to the villagers as the tiger was quite old and if he didn’t touch the goat, she need not pay for the goat as well.
Question 10.
Answer Any One of the following two questions in about 150 words. (8)
A. It is true that a coward dies many times as he sacrifices himself, his respect, and his wishes many times. But brave people live a life of dignity and die only once. Inspired by this discussion, write a letter to your cousin discussing the value of bravery in life concerning the lesson of Julius Caesar. You are Kriti.
Answer:
A-23/Central Street
Bangalore
19th November, 20XX
Dear Samrat
How are you? Hope you are doing great. We are all good here. I was reading about Julius Caesar and after reading that I felt writing to you to tell you about the famous words of Julius Caesar that echo the thoughts of many great thinkers of this world. Cowards die in life many times while valiant people die only once. Fear of any kind, be it the fear of losing someone or something, fear of pain, fear of suffering, etc. makes us a coward. But to get rid of this fear, we lose our respect, our willpower, and our confidence.
In contrast, brave people die only once. They live a life of principles, on their terms and values. Thus, they explore infinite possibilities of life and die only once, and that too gracefully. Their death does not lower their esteem or the respect of others.
Yours lovingly
Kriti
OR
B. The poet talks to us indirectly about his inner voice and the need for man to forget age-old prejudices and love nature’s creations like the snake. Discuss it regarding DH Lawrence’s poem Snake.
Answer:
We are often advised to stay away from insects, birds, and animals that can harm us like spiders and snakes. We, humans, have presumed notions about other living species and consider them to be dangerous. We go against our instincts that tell us that all creatures are equals.
In the poem ‘Snake’, the poet presents this inner voice that appeals to us to drop the age-old prejudices. The poet treats the snake as an equal showing that he doesn’t consider other species to be inferior to him. The snake never threatens or tries to harm the poet. It just quenches its thirst and retreats back to its hole. However, the poet’s education has taught him that snakes are dangerous and he, thus, attacks them. The poem hereby teaches us to show respect to the beautiful creations of God. We should learn to co-exist peacefully with other species and protect their right to existence.