Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions and marking scheme Term 2 Set 5 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Term 2 Set 5 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.
An Allergy Alert at the Start of Summer
1. Like all bad news and the common cold, allergies can pop up when you least expect them. I suddenly developed an allergy to crocin (paracetamol) some years ago after having it all my life to treat everything from headaches to fever and toothache. A seafood-loving friend found himself unable to breathe after having Thai food for dinner. After undergoing a battery of expensive tests, he was told the chest tightness was not caused by a heart attack but by an allergy to shellfish, something he ate once a week and had never reacted to before.
2. A stuffed or drippy nose, frequent sneezing, an itchy throat, rash, sinus, ear pain, difficulty in breathing, stomach cramps and itchy, red or watery eyes are some of the common symptoms of an allergic reaction. Pollen, dust, polluted outdoor air and indoor pollutants such as dust mites, animal dander, cigarette smoke and mould are among the common environmental pollutants, while other triggers include medicines, paint and chemicals in cleaners and cosmetics such as hair colour and skin creams. Among foods, eight allergens account for almost 90% of food allergies: milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.
3. Most of us wrongly believe that people with allergies are either born with the condition or develop identifiable symptoms in early childhood. You couldn’t be more wrong. An allergy can occur at any time in your life and experts say its prevalence among adults is rising. While most people who develop allergies as adults have experienced some allergic reaction – either to the same or an unrelated trigger before – a few have no history of sensitivity.
4. In an acute immune reaction, the allergy trigger may be one, but the symptom is usually caused by a combination of factors. Stress, a sterile environment that prevents the body from developing robust natural immunity and lifestyle-induced changes in the body’s hormonal balance are thought to be some triggers. This is borne out by clinical evidence that shows that women are more likely to develop allergies at puberty, after pregnancy and at menopause, all of which point to hormonal causes.
5. Of course, avoiding the allergy trigger and taking an anti-allergy medication as soon as you can, after exposure to an allergen is the best possible protection. Since pollen levels generally peak in the morning, people with airway sensitivity and asthma should postpone outdoor exercises to later in the day or stick to exercising indoors as deeper and more rapid breathing induced by aerobic exercise causes more pollen and dust being inhaled, which can wreck your airways and lungs. Since air pollutants tend to cling to clothes and hair, changing your clothes when you come home or washing your hair before going to bed lowers exposure.
6. Allergies in adults can be treated using some anti-allergic medicines. For those who do not respond to the standard treatment, there’s always the option of a series of allergy shots to help the immune system to build up a tolerance to the allergy. In most cases, though, identifying and avoiding the allergen is enough to stay free of trouble.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from the six given below. [1 x 3]
(i) What are among the common environmental pollutants? (1)
Answer:
Common environmental pollutants are: pollen, dust, polluted outdoor air and indoor pollutants such as dust mites, animal dander, cigarette smoke and mould.
(ii) What is an acute immune reaction? (1)
Answer:
An acute immune reaction is caused by a combination of factors, though the allergy trigger maybe one. For example: stress, lifestyle-induced changes, hormonal changes, etc. are thought to be some triggers.
(iii) How can you prevent/treat yourself from getting allergies? (1)
Answer:
Avoiding the allergy trigger and taking an anti-allergy medicine as soon as there is exposure to an allergen is the best possible protection.
(iv) When are women more likely to develop allergies? (1)
Answer:
Women are more likely to develop allergies at puberty, after pregnancy and at menopause.
(v) Give the opposite of ‘expensive’ in para 1. (1)
Answer:
‘Cheap’ is the opposite of expensive.
(vi) What does the world ‘prevalence’ in para 3 mean? (1)
Answer:
The world ‘prevalence’ in para 3 means ‘occurrence’.
Question 2.
Read the following excerpt from a case study titled Cataract.
1. Cataract is the major cause of blindness, which is also caused by a damage to the cornea. It refers to an eye disorder causing the eye’s lens to be opaque and cloudy hence reducing the vision. The lens is the clear part which helps to focus the right rays entering the eye into the retina which is sensitive to light and is located at the back of the eye. In order to function properly, the parts that are in front of the retina have to be transparent to allow a sharp image that fall on the retina. It occurs more often in old age. As one starts growing old, the lens of the eye hardens, loses its transparency and becomes opaque. It obstructs the light rays from entering the eye.
2. The disorder is more common in the elderly and statistics have proven that by the age of 80 years, more than 40% suffer from cataracts and this condition worsens as the age increases. A cataract may occur on either one of the eyes or both. The onset of cataract blurs the vision. Sometimes, the cataract patient sees multiple images instead of a single object image. Because of the gradual development of cataract, the afflicted person loses his/her vision and the world becomes dark to him/her.
3. The development of cataract is a complex process. However, the following factors can be attributed to its formation. Cataract generally develops in old age but sometimes, children are born with cataract because of hereditary defect. This type of cataract is called congenital cataract. Cataracts may also develop as a result of other diseases such as diabetes or trauma to the eye. Eye injuries too, can cause cataracts. Other types of cataracts, especially in younger people and diabetics, may progress fast.
Number of Cataracts in India | |||
Age Group | Right Eye | Left Eye | Total |
0-4 | |||
5-9 | |||
10-14 | 13,950 | 13,870 | 27,820 |
15-19 | 5,309 | 1,251 | 6,550 |
20-24 | 6,270 | 18,167 | 24,437 |
25-29 | 14,172 | 20,838 | 35,010 |
30-34 | 16,694 | 10,761 | 27,445 |
35-39 | 45,022 | 46,425 | 91,447 |
40-44 | 107,794 | 106,695 | 214,489 |
45-49 | 274,941 | 266,191 | 541,132 |
50-54 | 679,372 | 650,885 | 1,330,257 |
55-59 | 1,216,234 | 1,014,013 | 2,230,247 |
60-64 | 1,674,581 | 1,665,855 | 3,340,436 |
65-69 | 2,026,844 | 2,266,577 | 4,923,421 |
70-74 | 4,324,444 | 4,599,241 | 8,923,685 |
Total | 10,405,627 | 10,680,759 | 21,086,386 |
4. People exposed to sun rays for longer periods develop cataract earlier than others. Researchers opine that the smoke inhaled while smoking carries substances internally damaging the eyes.
5. Overexposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is responsible for two major public health problems: skin cancer and cataract. Ultraviolet radiation, invisible to the human eye, is linked to skin cancer. A gradual progression of vision problem, eventually, if not treated, may result in vision loss. The victim loses vision and the world becomes dark to him. Cataracts can be removed completely through surgery.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY FIVE questions from the six given below. [1 x 5]
(i) Why does the lens of the eye become opaque in old age? (1)
Answer:
Lens of the eye hardens and loses its transparency and becomes opaque in old age.
(ii) How does cataract affect its victim ultimately? (1)
Answer:
Cataract may lead to a complete loss of vision.
(iii) How does one detect cataract in early stages? (1)
Answer:
In early stages, the vision becomes blurred, one may also see multiple images in place of one.
(iv) Give any two factors which are responsible for the formation of cataract. (1)
Answer:
Any two factors which are responsible for the formation of cataract are long exposure to sun rays and hereditary defect.
(v) Find the word from para 1 that means ‘that through which light cannot enter’. (1)
Answer:
Opaque.
(vi) How is smoking responsible for the development of cataract? (1)
Answer:
Smoke, when inhaled, carries a substance that damages the eye and causes internal harm to the eye thereby developing cataract.
Section – B
Writing and Grammar (10 marks)
Question 3.
Attempt ANY ONE from (i) and (ii).
(i) Given below are three pie charts showing consumption habits of India, China and World overall in 2008. Write an analytical paragraph describing the pie charts (100-120 words). (5)
Answer:
The three given pie charts depict types of food consumption in 2008 as compared in two countries- India and China. In general, processed food is the major type of food eaten. Processed food comprises as high as 41% of the global consumption. In China and India as well, processed foods are consumed the most, the rate of consumption being 34% and 39% respectively. On an average, vegetables and fruits constitute 29% of consumption. In China, vegetables and fruits comprise 32% of food consumption which is 9% more than that of India. For Indians, animal food accounts for 27% of their diet, exceeding Chinese food consumption by a striking 12%. However, nuts and seeds comprise almost one-fifth of Chinese food habits. This is way more than the global consumption of 4% and 11% of India.
Overall, world food consumption largely comprises processed food. Chinese consumption of nuts and seeds is unbelievably higher than the average percentage.
(ii) You are Arpit/Kanika, a student of class X and resident of 54 D, Ring Road, ITO, New Delhi, and wants to be a choreographer.
Need For a Dance Choreographer:
Choreographers create dance routines for theatrical productions, music videos and film, requires extensive dancing skill, passion for dance, strong interpretive and creative thinking skills, superb interpersonal, collaborative and communication abilities. Kindly hurry up, only limited seats available.
Write a letter to the director of, National Institute of Choreography, Noida, seeking information about their course, admission procedure, eligibility criteria and other necessary details.
Answer:
54 D, Ring Road, ITO
New Delhi 1100XX
17th January, 20XX
The Director
National Institute of Choreography
Sector 16, Noida 102XXX
Subject: Inquiry regarding course in choreography
Dear Sir
In reference to your advertisement regarding the courses in choreography offered by your reputable institute, I want to state that I am currently in class X and preparing for my final exam. I am very much interested in dancing and want to take it as a career. I am also given to understand that this institute is by far the best so far as choreography is concerned and I would very much like to be part of it. Kindly send me the prospectus and the application form. I would be highly grateful if you could provide me with the following information:
- The department and programme faculty
- Funding opportunities
- Scholarships available
- Admission procedure
- Eligibility criteria
- Hostel facilities
Kindly send me the brochure along with the enrolment form at the earliest so that I could register myself for the course.
Yours faithfully
Arpit/Kanika
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 = 3]
Error | Correction | ||
Gold prices is now an all time high. Some | Example | is | are |
says it could be a bubble that may grow but will at | (a) | ………………… | ………………… |
last burst after recession in the West was over. So, | (b) | ………………… | ………………… |
investment in gold might not be a good idea now. | (c) | ………………… | ………………… |
Answer:
Error | Correction |
says | say |
was | is |
might | may |
Question 5.
Given below is a conversation between Electrician and Mohan. Fill in the blanks in the paragraph below by choosing the correct option from the ones given. [1 x 2 = 2]
Electrician: When did your electricity go?
Mohan: It is not working since evening.
Electrician: Sorry sir, in this case, I will have to check the fuse now.
The electrician asked Mohan when he (a) ………………………… a powercut. Mohan replied that there (b) ………………………. The electrician apologetically said that in that case he would have to
check the fuse them.
Answer:
(a) had
(b) was no electricity since evening.
Section – C
Literature (20 marks)
Question 6.
Answer ANY SIX questions in 30-40 words each. [2 x 6]
(i) What does Lomov think when he is alone? (2)
(ii) Why does Amanda imagine herself to be mermaid? (2)
(iii) ‘Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that lived thousands of years ago.’ How does the poet distinguish between animals and human being in these lines? (2)
(iv) Do you find ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ to be a serious or a light-hearted comedy? Give reasons to support your answer. (2)
(v) Why did Valli want to ride on the bus? (2)
(vi) What does the narrator describe as “pretty disrespectful treatment”? (2)
(vii) Her husband is kind and loving. Do you agree? Give examples to support your answers with reference to ‘The Necklace’. (2)
Answer:
(i) Lomov thinks that Natalya is an excellent housekeeper, not bad looking, and well educated. It is impossible for him not to marry. In the first place, he is already thirty-five. He ought to lead a quiet and regular life. He suffers from palpitations. He is excitable and always getting upset. There are some other problems too, which trouble him.
(ii) Mermaid is believed to be a creature with a woman’s head and body, and a fish’s tail instead of legs. Amanda imagines herself or wishes to be free like a mermaid, which is moving slowly in a state of bliss in the emerald sea because she has become tired of her mother’s constant nagging.
(iii) The poet wishes to convey that the animals do not kneel before others, especially before the ones who lived thousands of years ago. But the human beings indulge in hero worship and kneel to another human beings, who might have lived thousands of years ago.
(iv) ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a humorous, light hearted poem as the characters display behavioural attributes contrary to their appearance as well as nature. It is extremely funny to imagine a fierce looking dragon crying for a safe cage or mouse raging like a Hon.
(v) Valli used to watch the bus on its hourly rounds through her street every day. The sight of the bus filled with new passengers every time gave her unending joy. She was curious and wished to ride it once. So, she wanted to ride on the bus to enjoy it.
(vi) The narrator describes the treatment given to them by Lutkin’s mother as a pretty disrespected treatment. She insulted them. She marched towards them with a hot iron rod. She laughed at them when they retreated with a fear from there.
(vii) He wants her to be happy. He spends a huge amount that he had saved for years to buy a gun for his hobby to buy a pretty dress for his wife so that she could attend a big party and enjoy it. When the costly necklace is lost, he spends all his savings and even borrows to repay it. He works day and night, but never creates any ruckus with his wife.
Question 7.
Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 120 words each. [4 x 2]
(i) There are no limits to a man’s ingenuity and wit, but it is upon him how he wants to use it. Critically examine the wit of Oliver Lutkins and Richard Ebright, highlighting how they both used it for different intentions. (4)
(ii) Valli decides to get off the bus to visit the shops in the town. She goes to a sweet vendor that has made fresh payasam. Develop a conversation between the two, based on your understanding of Madam Rides the Bus.
You may begin like this:
Valli: Oh my! This smells heavenly! And there are so many options that I cannot decide. Vendor: And what would you like to buy, little one? (4)
(iii) Buddha said, ‘The world is afflicted with death and decay, therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the world.’ Do you think the statement is appropriate even for today’s life? Write your views in the context of the above statement. (4)
Answer:
(i) Humans are very peculiar beings for they have the power of higher intelligence, but it all depends upon their moral compass as to how they want to implement it. Oliver Lutkins was a con artist who was sent summons from the court to appear as a witness in a law case. He realised that the lawyer, who was sent to deliver him the summons, was a naive fresher and he didn’t miss the opportunity to trick him. Oliver disguised as the Hack Driver and went out of his way to help the lawyer to supposedly find ‘Oliver’. His wit managed to fool the lawyer successfully.
Richard Ebright was a gifted child and very curious about the world around him. His inquisitive nature was always supported by his mother. He got top grades in his classes, won many science fairs, and eventually ended up developing a new theory on how cells work. Ebright’s wit always pushed him to be a better version of himself. He used his talents in favour of science and humanity, which made it even more different from Oliver Lutkins’. However, this cannot be denied that both men had a brilliant mind in their own ways.
(ii) Valli: Oh my! This smells heavenly! And there are so many options that I cannot decide. Vendor: And what would you like to buy, little one?
Valli: I could smell the lovely payasam from a distance, I would like to have a serving. Vendor: Sure, the payasam is freshly prepared, straight off the stove in front of you! It is bound to smell lovely. One serving will cost you 4 paise.
Valli: That’s a bit too much! I will not be left with enough money for my return fare.
Vendor: Well then little one, how much can you spare?
Valli: I have 2 paise left with me right now.
Vendor: Then you can have half of the serving for that much amount certainly.
Valli: Okay then, give me half a serving for these 2 paise, but hurry, I don’t want to miss my bus!
(iii) ‘Sakyamuni’s’ first sermon at Benares was to accept death as a fact, as a truth that cannot change. Grieving and lamenting cannot lessen the pain or revive a dead one, but only make life more difficult. ‘Man is mortal’, is a harsh reality which is as steadfast as the various other natural phenomena. The cycle of birth and death is eternal and continues ceaselessly. Acceptance of this truth is important and in the light of the transient nature of life, one must strive to do at least one good deed every day and live life to the fullest.
The teaching of Buddha is very appropriate as a man, if born, has to die. But a wise man will accept death as he accepts life and try to make all his days worth living. A wise man will not grieve, as he knows he cannot change the harsh truth.