Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions and marking scheme Term 2 Set 1 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Term 2 Set 1 with Solutions
Time : 2 Hours
Max. Marks : 40
General Instructions :
- The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING. WRITING & GRAMMAR and LITERATURE.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section-A
Reading (10 marks)
Question 1.
Read the passage given below.
Technology is making advancements at a rapid rate but at the cost of a valued tradition-the crafts industry. The traditional crafts industry is losing a lot of its trained and skilled craftsmen. With that, the art of embellishing brass and copper utensils with fine engravings is ) also disappearing. The government has identified around 35 crafts as languishing crafts.
The speciality of handcrafted items is their design, an association with long traditions belonging to a specific region. The word ‘handcrafted’ does not imply the involvement of dexterous human fingers or an agile mind with a moving spirit anymore. Lessening drudgery, increasing production and promoting efficiency have taken precedence. The labour-saving devices are taking the place of handcrafted tools and this has jeopardized the skills of these artisans.
Mechanisation has made its way into everything – cutting, polishing, edging, designing etc. Ideally, the use of machinery should be negligible and the handicrafts should be made purely by hand with a distinguishable artistic appeal. However, with the exception of small-scale industries, the export units are mostly operated by machines. The heavily computerised designs contribute to a faster production at lower costs.
Although mechanization of crafts poses a challenge to safeguarding traditional crafts, yet the artisans are lured with incentives in order to impart handicrafts training. Some makers do see machines as a time-saving blessing since they are now able to accomplish difficult and demanding tasks with relative ease. These machines might give a better finesse to these products, but they don’t stand out as handcrafted. Quantity has overtaken quality in this industry.
A need to highlight the importance of the handmade aspect is required by both the government and private sectors, in order to amplify awareness and also support the culture of making handicrafts. A few artisans are still trying their best to rejuvenate and revive their culture and heritage, but 30 it’s an uphill task competing with the machine-made goods. A multitude of artisans have changed their professions and are encouraging their progeny to follow suit. There are others who have stayed their ground, but are clearly inclined towards buying machines.
Nearly two decades ago, there were around 65 lakh artisans in the country.
35 Three years ago, when the government started the process of granting a unique number to the artisans based on the Aadhaar card, 25 lakhs were identified. Loss of traditional crafts is clearly a worrying issue, but it stands-to reason that forcing any artisan to follow old ways when concerns of livelihood overrule other considerations, is unfair.
Adapted from: https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/business-news-handicraft-uncrafted-by-artisan-hands/302877
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from the six given below. (1 x 5)
(i) What does the writer mean by calling handicrafts a ‘valued tradition’? (1)
Answer:
By ‘valued tradition’, the writer is highlighting the rapid disappearance of the traditional skills of producing handicrafts due to the advent of technology.’
(ii) Rewrite the following sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with a word that means the same from lines 5- 15. (1)
If it continues, the workcation (work + vacation) trend will be a powerful boost to domestic tourism operators failinv to make progress in the economic slump caused due to the pandemic.
Answer:
languishing.
(iii) State any two reasons why artisans are choosing to work via machines rather than handcrafted tools? (1)
Answer:
One of the most important reasons for handicraft workers preferring machines rather than – handcrafted tools is that they save time and also eliminate the drudgery of hard labour. The other obvious reason is the increase in output and hence improvement in sales numbers.
(iv) Why do the artisans need to be ‘lured with incentives’ to impart handicrafts training? (1)
Answer:
Artisans need to be ‘lured with incentives’ for handicrafts training since the current generation of workers prefer working with machines rather than holding on to their ancestral skills which have been developed and honed over the centuries.
(v) List one likely impact of the support of government and private sector towards the culture of making handicrafts. (1)
Answer:
One likely impact of the government and private sector support and incentives to help production of handicrafts is that younger artisans will be weaned away from the machines, and this will stymie the loss of traditional methods of producing handicrafts.
(vi) How does the writer justify an artist’s act of abandoning her/his traditional craft for a more lucrative option? (1)
Answer:
The author writes that an artist abandons her/his traditional craft for a more lucrative option as their right to earn his livelihood is paramount.
Question 2.
Read the following passage excerpt from a case study titled Impacts of Festivities on Ecology.
Festivals are synonymous with celebration, ceremony and joy. However, festivals bring to fore 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.
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 questions, shared with 50 respondents across four selected districts of a state in the southern region of India.
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 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 |
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.
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.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from the six given below. (1 × 5 = 5)
(i) Why do the researchers call pollution the ‘flip side’ of festivals? (1)
Answer:
Festivals are times for rejoicing, but researchers feel that during festivals people use uncontrolled ecologically polluting materials, which can be said to be a flip side of the celebrations.
(ii) Comment on the significance of the second objective of the study with reference to lines 7-12. (1)
Answer:
The significance of the second objective of the study was to explore solutions to bring awareness amongst people about celebrating festivals without putting the ecology to risk.
(iii) Justify the researchers’ recommendation for limiting the drastic impact of festival pollution on the environment with reference to lines 16-21. (1)
Answer:
The researchers recommended enforcement of drastic rules for governing environmental protection during festivals instead of outrightly banning them. This will at least mitigate the harmful effects of festivals on the environment.
(iv) Why do the researchers feel that environmental groups and eco-clubs are fighting a losing battle in the given scenario? (1)
Answer:
The researchers feel that the environment groups and eco-clubs are fighting a losing battle since cities and towns are already polluted due to dense traffic, rampant use of plastic and unscientific methods of garbage disposal. Added to this, the researchers feel that with the unbridled use of polluting materials during festivals are leading the cities and towns towards an ecological disaster.
(v) Even though a larger number of people say ‘no’ to bursting crackers than those who say ‘yes’, festival pollution persists. Flow does evidence from Table 1 support this statement? (1)
Answer:
The evidence in Table 1 clearly points to the fact that a majority of the people are aware of environmental concerns that come up on bursting crackers, but an overriding fraction of the people do burst crackers as they feel bursting crackers is directly related to their prestige in the society.
(vi) What purpose does the ‘Can’t Say’ column serve in the questionnaire (Table 1)? (1)
Answer:
The ‘Can’t Say’ column is meant for those respondents who don’t have any opinions regarding both – festivals and the related pollution during festivals.
Section-B
Writing and Grammar (10 marks)
Question 3.
Attempt ANY ONE from (i) and (ii).
(i) Study the concept chart from the self-help magazine section of a monthly publication. (5)
Write a paragraph in not more than 120 words, analysing the listed responses to the situation when one faces setbacks.
Ans.
Setback Responses
Setbacks are common in life. Essentially how we respond to the setbacks, defines our attitude towards life. The schematic diagram explains how people may react to setbacks. Primarily, there can be one of the two responses – try to find solutions or be depressed inhibiting the person to find solutions. In the latter case, the person will be overwhelmed with self doubt, anger, anxiety, and depression leading to a halt in further progress.
With a positive attitude, the person can learn from the complications and start thinking of ways to retrieve the situation. For this, he may need to recollect previous experiences in his life. Finally and most importantly, he will gather courage and go ahead and implement the solutions.
(ii) You are Samina Zaveri, Class X, Vadodara, Gujarat. You come across the following information on a local library’s notice board. (5)
Create Your Own Board Game Competition!
Create an educational board game, and send it to us at Teen-Toggle Games Pvt. Ltd, 307, Satija building, Colaba, Mumbai by July 2022. The top 10 winning board games will be featured on our international portal.
Attractive scholarships for the winners!
You wish to participate but require more information. Write a letter to Teen-Toggle Games Pvt. Ltd in about 120 words, enquiring about rules, scholarship details and deadlines. Also enquire about specifications for solo or group entries.
Answer:
Samina Zaveri
DS Townend School
Vadodara, Gujarat
To
Teen-Toggle Games Pvt. Ltd.
307, Satija Building, Colaba
Mumbai
15th January, 20XX
Subject: Create Your Own Board Game Competition!
Dear Sir,
This is Samina Zaveri, a student in Vadodara. I came to know about the captioned matter from our local library’s notice board. I request you to kindly enlighten me about the following:
1. Detailed rules of the competition.,
2. The regulations governing scholarships.
3. If the competition is restricted only to solo entries or group entries will also be allowed?
I would be grateful if you kindly update me on my queries at the earliest.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Samina Zaveri
Question 4.
The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Identify the error and write its correction against the correct blank number. Remember to underline the correction. The first one has been done for you. (1 x 3)
| E.g. | Error | Correction | |
| Have you ever learn from a mistake you have made? | learn | learnt | |
| Many shouldn’t admit doing so. For those who do, | (a) | – | – |
| there was no need for guilt. We often make mistakes | (b) | – | – |
| while taking risks, but all brush them aside and learn. | (c) | – | – |
| With that, they usually don’t make mistakes the next time. | – | – |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| (a) Shouldn’t | should |
| (b) Was no | isn’t |
| (c) all | don’t |
Question 5.
Read the conversation between a teacher and student and complete the passage that follows. (1 x 2 = 2)
Biology Teacher: I instructed you to draw the diagram of bacteria. Why did you submit a blank sheet?
Sameer: Sir, I had drawn the diagram of bacteria, but you can’t see it because it is not visible to the naked eye.
The biology teacher had instructed Sameer to draw the diagram of a bacterial cell and asked him (a) ………………. a blank sheet. Sameer respectfully answered that he had drawn the diagram but (b) ………………… to the naked eye.
Answer:
The biology teacher has instructed Sameer to draw the diagram of a bacterial cell and asked him (a) why he submitted a blank sheet. Sameer respectfully answered that he had drawn the diagram but (b) his teacher was not able to see it as it was not visible to the naked eye.
Section-C
Literature (20 marks)
Question 6.
Answer ANY SIX questions in 30-40 words each. (2 x 6)
(i) What is the significance of the Buddha’s request for a handful of mustard seeds and the addition
of a condition to it? (2)
Answer:
The significance of Buddha’s request for a handful of mustard seed to Kisa Gotami was to make her realise and accept the mortal nature of human life. Mustard seeds are easily procurable. But to procure it from a household which has never experienced death was impossible.
(ii) Justify how ‘Animals’ by Walt Whitman is a criticism of mankind and its ways? (2)
Answer:
Poet Walt Whitman, a non-conformist, does not like the idea of hierarchical division of the
society. He feels that modem man has become flawed with ego, hypocrisy and materialism. That is why he expresses his appreciation of the animal world where every creature is equal.
(iii) Comment on the tone of the speaker when she says, ‘Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda!’. (2)
Answer:
The following question is by Amanda’s mother to her. Continuous nagging and rebukes to attain perfection has made Amanda frustrated and exasperated for which her behaviour appeared to be mde and uncourteous towards her mother.
(iv) A ballad includes the telling of a tale as well as a surprise ending. Using evidence from the poem, explain how these features are included in ‘The Tale of Custard Dragon’. (2)
Answer:
‘The Tale of Custard Dragon’ fulfils the condition of a ballad, in structure and style. This ballad has a regular rhyme scheme. It tells the story of Custard the Dragon who was believed to be a coward. But during a crisis, it is he, who overcomes his fear easily and proves his bravery. The tale conveys the message that the brave are humble and they seldom boast about it.
(v) Which two issues about himself convinced Lomov of his decision to get married? (2)
Answer:
Lomov, a man of thirty five considered it was high time to get married. Since he at his age was suffering from innumerable ailments, he felt that to have a partner for life will be a wise choice. Moreover, the girl Natalya also belonged to a wealthy family.
(vi) Briefly state how Matilda invited ‘a dreadful life of necessity’ into her family. (2)
Answer:
Matilda’s extreme pride on her beauty, conceited fantasies, greed for expensive jewellery landed her into a ‘hand to mouth’ existence when she lost her friend’s ‘diamond’ necklace. The ordeal she then had to undergo snatched away her beauty, her prized possession which had been the cause of her dissatisfactions.
(vii) The hack driver successfully trapped the narrator in his web of words. Comment. (2)
Answer:
The narrator was taken away by the personality and wit of the hack-driver, who even fools him to mint some money for himself. The narrator gets so engrossed with the man’s cheerful gossips that he fails to realise that the person, who was ignoring and avoiding the summons was the hack-driver himself. The hack-driver was Oliver Lutkins himself.
Question 7.
Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 120 words each. (4 x 2)
(i) Parents play a crucial role in the upbringing of their children. Critically examine the parents of Bholi and Ebright, highlighting their impact on their children’s lives. (4)
Answer:
Parents play the most crucial role in a child’s life. A lot of the child’s development depends on how he was nurtured in his childhood. Parents are his first teachers, providing comfort and security, which has a direct impact on the development of the child’s brain.
Ebright’s mother played the role of a friend, philosopher and guide. She was his sole companion and fulfilled the vacuum created by the death of his father. She tirelessly assisted him in his researches on butterflies and provided everything necessary to enhance and widen his mental horizon. Ebright progressively grows up to become a renowned scientist.
Contrary to Ebright’s mother, Bholi’s parents detested her from the time of her birth on account of her gender. Their ruthless and insensitive behaviour proved detrimental to Bholi’s physical and mental development. They had negative ideas about education of a girl child, and Bholi was put into school more to fulfill their selfish requirements. As a result, Bholi grew up to be a timid child who would stammer much to her parent’s annoyance. In a nutshell, Bholi was a victim of the patriarchal mindset of her parents.
(ii) Pranjol and Rajvir discuss their next vacation destination. They shortlist Coorg and Goa. Rajvir is keen on Coorg and tries to convince Pranjol. Develop a conversation between the two, based on your understanding of Glimpses of India. (4)
You may begin like this:
Rajvir: Hey Pranjol! I think we should be visiting Coorg. It is a beautiful place with coffee plantations. I can smell the aroma already!
Pranjol: We visited a tea plantation last year, in Assam; I want to…
Answer:
Rajvir: Pranjol! How about Coorg? Its luring coffee plantations, the aroma of the plant floating in air all are so mesmerizing! Lets make a trip to this destination and then we can think of your Goa.
Pranjol: We saw coffee plantations in Assam last year. Let’s go to my mother’s grandma’s place in Goa. Those loaves of bread still bring water to my mouth. I loved it as a child, when grandma would serve it with bread and jam.
Rajvir: Yes I too have heard of their varieties of bread . But let’s hear it from you. First hand knowledge.
Pranjol: Not exactly first hand. But yes, the taste still lingers in my mouth. And the bolinhas! Rajvir: Yah Bolinhas. The name itself makes mouth water.
Pranjol: [Laughs] Don’t get so imaginative right away. When we go there, I will also take you to their bakery.
Rajvir: Bakery! Collect packets of bolinhas and carry them with us to Coorg to have a feast with their coffee at a top of the Brahmagiri Hills. Imagine the sight of the fauna from there!
Pranjol: No doubt beautiful. But if you go to Goa, you feel the Portuguese culture trickling down the years on The Indian Valley.
Rajvir: And in Coorg, it’s the Greek and Arabic culture. Seated amidst the evergreen forests are the spices and coffee plantations.
Pranjol: Oof again coffee. Not that I don’t like it, but you are getting obsessed.
Rajvir: Pranjol, the place Coorg is not just a land of coffee but its mega fauna will never ever bore you. Birds, bees, butterflies, rainforests and the high energy adventure sports will never let you sit quietly without anything to do.
Pranjol: Ok! What else?
Rajvir: Its people. Hospitable and brave at the same time. You must have heard of General Cariappa? {Pranjol nods his head} He was a Coorgi.
Pranjol: Ohh really? Then I must visit the land of our great General. But wait, let me order some bolinhas first. Can’t miss your coffee either.
Both laugh.
(iii) Farce is a kind of comedy which includes situations and dialogues that are ridiculous, exaggerated and even absurd. Evaluate the play, The Proposal, as a farce. (4)
Answer:
‘The Proposal’ by Chekhov has been intended to be presented as a farce basically to satire the materialistic temperament of the Russians who think of making money from every aspect imaginable. This one-act play tells the story of two wealthy families who seek matrimonial alliance. The main idea is to seek a rise of profits in their property. The play is highly humorous. The setting has three characters all meeting each other with a motive but all that ends up in the three planning to increase their share of property.
Humour is not possible without exaggeration. Hence Lomov’s soliloquy thinking of his old self at thirty-five being full of ailments and nervousness would make every reader giggle. But as soon as Natalya appears in a negligee, they begin with fighting over the ownership of a piece of land. When that ends, they begin over a new issue which is each other’s pet dogs. Their agreement to tie the nuptial knot and its effects thereafter can well be imagined.