Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions Set 11 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Set 11 with Solutions
Time : 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- 15 Minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
- The Question Paper contains THREE Sectians-Reading, Grammar & Writing and Literature.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section – A
Reading Skills (20 Marks)
Question 1.
Read the passage given below. (1 x 10 = 10)
(1) In a new finding, climate change has now become a national issue in America as a recent study has deduced that warming- induced drought in the Middle East is leading to increased conflicts over food and water, leading to its consequences on America and the world. The accelerating rate of climate change poses a severe risk to national security and acts as a catalyst for global political conflict. This is the conclusion drawn up by US experts, according to a government report.
At the US Centre for Naval Analyses, the Military Advisor- Board found that climate change had induced drought in the Middle East and Africa. The lack of food and water was affecting the populations of these countries to take recourse to extreme measures.
It was escalating long-standing ethnic tensions into violent clashes in the affected countries. In addition, the report predicted that an increase in catastrophic weather conditions worldwide would create more demand for American troops, even as flooding and extreme weather could damage naval ports and military bases.
(2) According to official findings, the report signaled that it would influence American foreign policy as well. The report vitalizes situations causes by the massive dislocation or massive drying up of the waters of the Nile or of the major rivers of India and China Pentagon officials also feel that the reports would affect military of their country as climate change is having an impact on national security, whether by increasing global instability or by opening the Arctic or by increasing sea level and storm surge close to coastal installations.
This is the first major study to draw the link between climate change and national Security. Thus, American leaders are delivering major speeches wherein they are linking up climate change with that of national security. New regulations would also be put in place to cut pollution from coal-fired power options.
(3) The report follows a recent string of scientific studies that warn that the effects of climate change are already occurring and that more Hooding, droughts, extreme storms, food and water shortages, and damage to infrastructure will occur in the future. There is thus, a link in some quarters between rising sea waters and terrorism. These effects are stress multipliers that will aggravate stressors abroad, such as poverty, environmental degradation, political instability and social tensions.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the given questions:
(A) According to the passage, what is the latest finding regarding climate change?
The latest finding regarding climate change is that …………………. and ………………….. [1]
Answer:
Climate change had induced drought in the Middle East; it poses a severe risk to America’s security.
(B) Identify the wag the lack of food and water affecting countries in the Middle East and Africa?
(I) It has damaged naval ports and military bases.
(II) It poses a severe risk to national security.
(III) It had escalated long standing racial discrimination tension into violent clashes in the affected areas.
(IV) It has multiplied the stress.
(a) II and III
(b) III
(c) I and II
(d) I, II and IV [1]
Answer:
(b) III
(C) The unique thing about the latest report on climate change is …………………
(a) That it would influence American foreign and military policy as climate change is having an impact on their national security.
(b) That the lack of food and water was affecting the populations of the countries.
(c) That new regulations would also be put in place to cut pollution from coal-fired power options.
(d) That the effects of climate change are already occurring. [1]
Answer:
(a) That it would influence American foreign and military policy as climate change is having an impact on their national security.
Explanation: It is given in the passage that the unique signal that the report gave was that it would have an effect on the American foreign and military policy. Hence, (a) is the right answer.
(D) ………………… affected the populations of the Middle East and Africa to take recourse to extreme measures. [1]
Answer:
Lack of food and water
(E) Choose the option that makes the correct use of ‘aggravate’, as used in the passage.
(a) ……………….. conflict will intervene Military even further.
(b) The ………………. Military intervention will conflict even further.
(c) Military intervention will only ……………….. the conflict even further.
(d) ……………….. will intervene the Military conflict even further. [1]
Answer:
(c) Military intervention will only aggravate the conflict even further.
(F) Increase in catastrophic weather conditions worldwide would create more demand for American troops why?
(a) Because it will create a link in some quarters between rising sea waters and terrorism.
(b) Because climate change has become a national issue.
(c) Both (b) and (c)
(d) Because flooding and extreme weather could damage naval ports and military bases. [1]
Answer:
(d) Because flooding and extreme weather could damage naval ports and military bases.
(G) The author means ‘bad feelings between people from different races’ when he says, ‘ethnic tensions’. (True/ false) [1]
Answer:
True
(H) State any one reason why new regulations will also be put in place. [1]
Answer:
New regulations would also be put in place to cut pollution from coal-fired power options.
(I) Complete the given analogy correctly with a word from the passage.
Signaled:reflected::………………..:increase [1]
Answer:
Aggravate
(J) List 2 major stressors highlighted in
(1) …………………..
(2) …………………. [1]
Answer:
Poverty and political instability.
Question 2.
Read the passage given below.
(1) Overall global handset profits declined 11% year over year to USD 12 billion in Q3 2019 due to an increased mix of entry to mid-tier products and a fall in revenues for key smartphone OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
(2) Apple dominates the global handset market by capturing 66% of industry profits and 52% of the overall handset revenue. The loyal premium user base in the major markets like the USA. EU and Japan is one of the reasons that Apple can still operate at a profit level that its competitors can only wish for.
Now with a strong service strategy. Apple’s overall ecosystem is strong enough to guarantee it a steady inflow of revenue in the coming years. In the immediate future, we believe that Apple’s profit for the holiday season will increase with the new line up of iPhones gaining good traction.
(3) Samsung is a distant second, taking 17% of the overall handset Industry profits. The increased mix of Galaxy A Series along with the positive start of Galaxy Note 10 Series was the key reason for the growth.
(4) Chinese smartphone brands operate at low- profit margins, but better than in previous years, even though they are expanding outside China and also penetrating high-tier price bands. Chinese brands offer attractive propositions to mature smartphone users with new feature-packed flagships at affordable prices. Some of these Chinese brands are also now looking at monetizing then userbase by launching services like financial services, lot products and other.
However, it is becoming a challenge for Chinese brands to increase their smartphone ASPs (Average Selling Price) and margins due to a combination of longer consumer holding period and Apply lowering pricing on some key SKUs (Stock Keeping Unit), which has limited the headmaster that Chinese vendex had used to increase their ASPs.
(5) In coming quarters the adoption of 5G will drive some upgrades. This will likely leaf to revenue growth for OEMs which are already preparing themselves ahead of full A commercialization.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer given questions.
(A) How are Chinese brands looking at monetizing their user base? Choose the correct option.
(a) By expanding outside China
(b) By combining longer consumer holding periods and Apple lowering prices on some key SKU’s
(c) By launching services like financial services, loT products and others
(d) By doing 5G commercialization [1]
Answer:
(c) By launching services like financial services. loT products and other.
(B) Chinese smartphone brands operate at ………………. [1]
Answer:
Low profit margins
(C) List 1 reason behind Samsung’s growth? (1) ……………….. [1]
Answer:
The increased mix of Galaxy A series along with the positive start of Galaxy Note 10 series is the reason behind Samsung’s growth.
(D) Choose the correct option that reveals the loyal premium user base in the major markets?
(I) Japan
(II) USA
(III) Africa
(IV) EU
(V) Russia
(a) III and IV
(b) I, II and III
(c) I, II and IV
(d) II and III [1]
Answer:
(c) I, II and IV
(E) Huawei is the second with highest handset revenue. (True/false) [1]
Answer:
False
Explanation: Samsung is the second highest handset revenue generator, not Huawei.
(F) Out of the brands taken into considerations for the global profit share trend report, which brand has the lowest share? [1]
Answer:
Xiaomi
(G) Select the appropriate option to fill in the blank.
Samsung takes ………………. per cent of the total handset industry profit.
(a) 17
(b) 21
(c) 3
(d) 16 [1]
Answer:
(a) 17
(H) Apple dominates the global handset market by:
(I) By capturing 52% or the overall handset revenue
(II) By capturing 17% of the overall industry
(III) By capturing 66% of or industry profits
(IV) By capturing 12% of the revenue
(a) I and IV
(b) II and III
(c) II, III and IV
(d) I and III [1]
Answer:
(b) I and III
(I) By how much did the overall global handset profits declined? [1]
Answer:
11%
(J) Select the option that is true for the two statements given below.
(1) Apple dominates the global handset market.
(2) America, EU and Japan has loyal premium user base for Apple.
(a) (1) is the result of (2)
(b) (1) is true and (2) is false
(c) (1) is independent of (2)
(d) (1) contradicts (2) [1]
Answer:
(a) (1) is the result of (2).
Section – B
Grammar (10 marks)
Question 3.
Attempt ANY TEN of the given questions.
(A) Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks to complete the passage:
The three men opened the iron almirah and took out the cash and jewellery and put them into the bag that they ………………. with them. Then they took a few more things like clothes, sarees, etc. and got ready to go.
(a) has carry
(b) have carried
(c) had carried
(d) was carry [1]
Answer:
(c) had carried
(B) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct options.
At the clinic, the doctor asked the patient what …………………. with him.
(a) was the problem
(b) were the matter
(c) does the problem
(d) is the matter [1]
Answer:
(a) was the problem
(C) Complete the given sentence with the correct modal
He asked, “……………….. I have a sip from your water bottle?”
(a) Would
(b) May
(c) Can
(d) Will [1]
Answer:
(b) May
(D) Fill in the blanks with the right articles.
I saw ………………… huge elephant in ……………….. jungle.
(a) the, a
(b) a, the
(c) a, a
(d) the, the [1]
Answer:
(b) a, the
(E) Complete the following with the correct interrogative.
………………. is the pink dress I gave you last year?
(a) Which
(b) Who
(c) Why
(d) Where [1]
Answer:
(d) Where
(F) 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.
| Error helped | Correction help | ||
| Books helped us know more about our ancestry. | Example | ||
| Through books, we get to knew about great writers, | (i) | ……………………. | ……………………. |
| poets or philosophers. Books have solutions in them. | (ii) | ……………………. | ……………………. |
| By reading books, our knowledge increased. | (iii) | ……………………. | ……………………. |
| One should develop a habit of reading books. |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| (i) knew | know |
| (ii) or | and |
| (iii) increased | increases |
(i) Explanation: As the sentence is in the present tense, ‘know’ is the correct answer.
(ii) Explanation: ‘or’ is used to define a choice between things while ‘and’ is used to define things collectively. The correct conjunction to be used here is ‘and’. Hence, it is the right answer.
(iii) Explanation: As the sentence is in the present tense, ‘increases’ is the correct answer.
(G) There …………………. a crazy number of boys in the garden.
(a) are
(b) have
(c) is
(d) has [1]
Answer:
(c) is
Explanation: The term ‘number’ is singular. Hence, (c) is the right answer.
(H) Some of the students in my class ………………. sad as they did not pass.
(a) was
(b) were
(c) is
(d) may [1]
Answer:
(b) were
(I) They are going to the concert. They have already got …………….. tickets.
(a) there
(b) theirs
(c) their
(d) them [1]
Answer:
(c) their
(J) Plants ………………… have sunlight in order to make food.
(a) must
(b) can
(c) may
(d) will [1]
Answer:
(a) must
Explanation: Plants are ‘required’ to have sunlight as it is a fact and necessary thing for them to do. Hence, (a) is the right answer.
(K) Since our bags are identical, you ……………… have taken mine by mistake.
(a) should
(b) could
(c) will
(d) shall [1]
Answer:
(b) could
(L) Choose the correct option to complete the given dialogue.
Priya : Hey Smita. Are you free this weekend?
Smita : Yes, (i) “………………….”.
Choose the correct option for (i)
(a) I am busy this weekend.
(b) I have no plans for the weekend.
(c) I have a meeting for the weekend.
(d) Sorry, I have an appointment. [1]
Answer:
(b) I have no plans for the weekend.
Creative Writing Skills (2 x 5 = 10)
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words.
You are the manager of Hotel Green View, Chennai. You had ordered 50 kilograms of cheese for the hotel You are not happy with
the quality of the cheese that was sent. In about 100-120 words, write a letter to the manager of Amaltas Dairy, Chennai complaining about the poor quality of the product.
Write a letter in 100-120 words to M/s Riddhi Publishing House, Rewari, complaining that the books sent by them were not the ones you had ordered and ask for a replacement. You are Shalini Arora/Samar Arora, of Kamla Naqar, New Delhi. [5]
Answer:
Hotel Green View
Chennai
26th May 20XX
The Manager
Amaltas Dairy
Chennai
Subject: Complaint regarding poor quality product
Dear sir/madam
This is with reference to our order of 50 kilograms of cheese placed with your dairy and unfortunately, we are not happy with the quality.
We had clearly stated that the cheese should be fresh. We also wanted different kinds of cheese packed and labelled separately. Upon 5. opening the consignment, there were no labels and to our shock, two packets of cheddar cheese had fungus.
Most of the packets were received open and the cheese was giving off pungent odour. We pride ourselves in serving the best quality delicacies and the cheese sent by you did not meet the basic standard.
We wish to return it. Kindly send a fresh consignment within next ten days. If we are not satisfied again, we will have to return the consignment and cancel the order. Moreover we will be forced to rethink continuing business with you. We hope the fresh consignment will be as per our specifications.
Yours truly
XYZ
Manager
Hotel Green View
OR
394, Main Road
Kamala Nagar
New Delhi
1st March 20XX
The Manager,
M/s Ridhi Publishing House,
Rewari
Subject: Replacement of books Dear sir/madam
On 20th February, 2020, I bought a book set (Order no. 00036) to be delivered to Kamala Nagar.
To my disappointment, I received the wrong set of books. I am extremely worried as the books are needed urgently.
I hope you resolve the problem at the earliest.
I would appreciate it if you deliver the correct set and take the wrong set back. Please let me know as soon as possible, the action you propose for my redressal. I am sure my problem can be addressed within 10 days of this letter.
I look forward to a prompt action from your side.
Enclosed are the relevant documents: copies of the transaction document and the receipt.
Yours sincerely
Shalini / Samar Arora
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words.
The map given below shows the weather conditions in some major cities of India. Study the map carefully and write a paragraph in 100-120 words based on the comparative study of the weather conditions and their impact on people in the different cities.
OR
Read the following excerpt taken from an article that appeared in the magazine section of a local daily.
“A recent study found that given the pressure of studies and addiction to the Internet and television, children are sleeping less than the required eight hours.”
Given below are some findings of the study. Taking help from the clues, write an analytical paragraph for your school magazine. [5]
| Pressure of studies | watching television |
| spending time on social-media | sleeping less at night |
| Internet surfing | inattentive and sleepy during day time. |
| hampered growth | affected develo-ment |
Answer:
Weather Woes
The satellite image clearly shows that New Delhi (in the north) and Nagpur, which is at 47° C, in central India are reeling under the effects of a heat wave. People in Ahmedabad, Gujarat are also experiencing hot weather with the mercury soaring to 44° C. The commercial capital Mumbai is relatively cooler at 35° C. Chennai in the south and Kolkata in the east are also experiencing high temperatures and are equally hot at 38° C. Port Blair has the lowest temperature at 32° C.
With the sun shining brightly, people in Nagpur, Ahmedabad and New Delhi have no respite and it seems that the hot weather will continue for a few days. Port Blair is likely to receive some showers accompanied by lightning. People residing in the heat wave zones need to take precautionary measures and hope for some welcome showers soon.
OR
Children Under Threat
The increasing burnout among children prompted researchers to study its reasons. The study involved following the routine of school-going children. The results indicate that students are under pressure both at school and at home.
Teachers want timely submissions and parents expect high grades. This puts undue burden on children and makes them stay up late. They often do not sleep for eight hours, which affects their health. They feel lethargic during the day and are inattentive in class, which makes it difficult to comprehend concepts.
Modern gadgets are another distraction; children spend hours on social media and phone calls. Without realising, they lose out on time which could have been used for studying. Therefore adding to the stress. Parents must ensure that children get complete rest. They must work with schools to help relieve the pressure on children to lead a happy life.
Section – C
Literature (40 marks)
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of the given extracts. (1 x 5 = 5)
We have at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender, and other discrimination.
(A) What was the speaker feeling when he took the pledge? [1]
Answer:
determined
Explanation: The moment described here is the moment of freedom. He is feeling powerful. He is not aggressive but he is determined.
(B) Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
(1) Nelson Mandela is the speaker of the given extract.
(2) He has achieved political emancipation.
(3) He is asking others to kill the oppressors.
(4) Mandela wanted to free people from all kinds of bondage and suffering.
(5) He was only fighting for himself.
(a) (1), (2)
(b) (2), (5)
(c) (3), (5)
(d) (3), (4) [1]
Answer:
(c) (3), (5)
Explanation: The lines are spoken by African President Nelson Mandela on the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of Africa. He had acquired political powers and wanted to free his people from sufferings they had been facing for a long time. He is not asking to kill the oppressors and he is fighting for his people. So (3) and (5) are incorrect. Hence the answer here is (c)
(C) Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s(F) and opinion/s(O) of the students below.
(1) I think Nelson Mandela was very brave to have stood alone for a cause.
(2) He managed to achieve political emancipation for his people
(3) Yes, and he also took a pledge to liberate everyone from all bondages.
(4) It must have been very difficult for Mandela to fight against such causes.
(a) F – (1), (2) and O – (3), (4)
(b) F – (2), (3) and O – (1), (4)
(c) F – (1), (3) and O – (2), (4)
(d) F – (3), (4) and O – (1), (2) [1]
Answer:
(b) F – (2), (3) and O – (1), (4)
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are obvious from the given extract. So these are facts. 1 and 4 can be taken as opinion as there is no evidence that he fought alone or he faced any resistance from anybody. Hence the answer is (b).
(D) Which word does ‘emancipation* NOT correspond to?
(a) enslavement
(b) freedom
(c) liberation
(d) liberty [1]
Answer:
(a) enslavement
Explanation: The words are spoken
at the time of inauguration of a free South Africa. On the day they acquired freedom. ‘Emancipation’ means to acquire freedom from other’s control. Hence (b), (c) and (d) are not the answers.
(E) Which word is the noun form of ‘emancipate’? [1]
Answer:
emancipator
Explanation: Emancipate is a verb which means to set free or the state of being free. Its noun will be the one who sets free. i.e. emancipator.
OR
I tried to sound severe: “Now I really mean this. If you don’t cut his food right down and give him more exercise he is going to be really ill. You must harden your heart and keep him on a very strict diet.”
Mrs Pumphrey wrung her hands. “Oh I will, Mr Herriot. I’m sure you are right, but it is so difficult, so very difficult.” She set off head down, along the road, as if determined to put the new regime into practice immediately.
I watched their progress with growing concern. Tricki was tottering along in his little tweed coat; he had a whole wardrobe of these coats—for the cold weather and a raincoat for the wet days. He struggled on, drooping in his harness. I thought it wouldn’t be long before I heard from Mrs Pumphrey.
(A) Choose the picture that expresses the true emotions of Mrs. Pumphrey while she was walking along the road.
(1) Mrs. Pumphrey walking in excitement.
(2) Mrs. Pumphrey walking with head down with a determined face.
(3) Mrs. Pumphrey running with anger.
(4) Mrs. Pumphrey walking with anxious face.
(a) Statement (1)
(b) Statement (2)
(c) Statement (3)
(d) Statement (4) [1]
Answer:
(a) Statement (1)
Explanation: After talking to the author Mrs. Pumphrey wasn’t excited, nor was she angry or anxious. Rather she walked away with a determination to change the dietary regime of Tricki. Hence the answer here is (a)
(B) The speaker is concerned with whose diet?
She is concerned with the diet of ………………. [1]
Answer:
Mrs. Pumphrey’s pet
Explanation: The author was a veterinarian. He was worried for Mrs. Pumphery’s pet.
(C) The statement is that the TRUE reason behind the speaker’s attempt at sounding severe is:
(a) his disappointment with the listener
(b) the listener is not following his advice
(c) to warn the listener about the impending danger.
(d) to show that he is concerned [1]
Answer:
(c) to warn the listener about the impending danger.
Explanation: The speaker was concerned about Tricki’s health. He knew that the listener will not follow his advice. So (a), (b) and (d) are not the answers. The answer here is (c) as he wanted to warn the listener about the impending danger.
(D) What will happen if the speaker’s advice is ignored? [1]
Answer:
The patient would need hospitalisation Explanation: The patient’s condition was already deteriorating and now he could recover either by listening to the speaker’s advice or by getting hospitalised.
(E) The Extract uses the phrase, ‘tottering along’. Which of the following expressions is incorrect with respect to the word ‘tottering’?
Answer:
(d) race
Explanation: One walks in a tottered way when he is feeble. Due to this he staggers and sways. He can’t walk steadily. Thus the word that does not correspond to tottering is race (d).
Question 7.
Attempt ANY ONE of the given extracts. (1×5 = 5)
Has given my heart
a change of mood
and saved some part of a day
I had rued.
(A) The word that means the same as ’rued’ is:
(a) regretted
(b) rejoiced
(c) recalled
(d) make merry [1]
Answer:
(a) regretted
Explanation: Poet’s day was saved due to change in the mood. This means that he was earlier in a bad mood and was not happy with the day that had passed. So (b), (c) & (d) are not the answers. The answer here is (a) regretted
(B) The rhyme scheme of the given stanza is …………………. [1]
Answer:
abab
Explanation: In first and third lines, the stanza rhyme similar and lines second and fourth rhyme similar. Therefore, the scheme is abab.
(C) The contrasting moods of the poet highlighted in the given stanza are ………………… and …………………. [1]
Answer:
sadness; happiness
Explanation: As the poet sat under the hemlock tree he was sad and depressed, regretting his day. But the shower of ice from above changed his mood and made him happy. The answer therefore is (c).
(D) What is the poet NOT likely to say to the listener?
(a) “Now I can be happy.”
(b) “I am still hopeful.”
(c) “I am feeling better.”
(d) “My mood is ruined.” [1]
Answer:
(d) “My mood is ruined.”
Explanation: As the poet’s mood is changed from sadness to happiness. He can’t say his mood is ruined. He now feels better, happy and hopeful. So options (a), (b) and (c) are ruled out. The answer is (d).
(E) What has brought about a change?
(a) The crow
(b) The hemlock tree
(c) The snow falling on him
(d) The weather [1]
Answer:
(c) The snow falling on him
Explanation: The poet was sitting under a hemlock tree. The movement of the crow sitting above the tree shook snow on him and this changed his mood. Earlier the crow , tree and the weather all brought gloom to him. So (a), (b) and (d) are not the answers.
OR
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage
On pads of velvet quiet
In his quiet rage.
(A) The tiger is stalking in the ………………. [1]
Answer:
cage
(B) The tiger was feeling angry and upset because:
(a) He was sad and lonely.
(b) He had been betrayed.
(c) He was trapped in a cage.
(d) He had lost all hope. [1]
Answer:
(c) He was trapped in a cage.
Explanation: The poem is about the anguish of a tiger shut behind the cage. He was betrayed and trapped. In the cage he was sad and lonely but had hope that someday he might be free. All this was because he was in a cage. Hence (c) is the answer.
(C) The word ‘stalks’ DOES NOT has a meaning similar to:
(a) walk
(b) chase
(c) prance
(d) stride [1]
Answer:
(b) chase
Explanation: ‘Stalk’ means to walk closely behind or to follow. But here the tiger was not following anyone but just walking slowly. So chase does not mean the same as stalk in the stanza. The answer is (b)
(D) ‘On pads of velvet quiet’. The given phrase here means the ………………. [1]
Answer:
the soles of the tiger’s paw Explanation: The line describes the walk of the tiger. His paws are soft and cushiony and he walks slowly on them.
(E) The word that DOES NOT indicate the tiger’s condition is:
(a) agitated
(b) tranquil
(c) gloomy
(d) cheerful [1]
Answer:
(d) cheerful
Explanation: The tiger was captivated. He wanted to move out. He felt sad(gloomy) and uncomfortable(tranquil). He roarded to be free (agitated). He wasn’t at all cheerful, as none in captivity can be. Hence the answer is (d).
Question 8.
Answer ANY FOUR questions in 40-50 words each. (4 x 3 = 12)
(A) How did the pilot of Dakota describe the black clouds? What did he decide to do then? [3]
(B) At which place was the ball lost? what impact did it have on the boy? [3]
(C) Modern India has recognised the courage and bravery of the people of coorg. Comment. [3]
(D) How was Valli’s bus journey an induction into the mystery of life and death? [3]
(E) Which incidents prompted Prince Siddhartha to become a beggar at the age of twenty five? [3]
Answer:
(A) The author could see nothing through the black clouds. They looked like black mountains standing in front of him across the sky. Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. He decided to take his aeroplane through the clouds.
(B) The ball was lost near the harbour when it bounced and went into the water. After Losing the ball, the poet first became very upset but later, he realised that everything he posess had to be lost one day.
(C) The people of Coorg are known for their courage and bravery. The Coorg regiment is the most decorated regiment of the Indian Army and has given many brave soldiers and generals to India, including the first Chief General Cariappa. Coorgis are the only people allowed to carry a weapon without a license in honor of their valour.
(D) Valli was filled with glee as her bus journey began. She met different people and also enjoyed the sights. She was overjoyed to see a cow running around. Her joy turned to sadness when she saw the same cow lying dead. This was a harsh lesson about the unpredictability of life. She was haunted by the sight and found it difficult to understand how life can change to death within a short period of time.
(E) Prince Siddhartha had led a sheltered life and hence, had never been exposed to the miseries that common people experience. During one of his royal hunting trips, he saw a sick man, then an aged man, then a funeral procession and finally a monk begging for alms. He realised that there was suffering and misery in the world. In order to find answers to the life’s miseries and enlightenment, he left the palace and the life of comfort and luxury.
Question 9.
Answer ANY TWO questions in 40-50 words each. (2×3 = 6)
(A) What is the role of the mother in making Richard Ebright a great scientist? [3]
(B) What was strange about the way Anil earned a living? [3]
(C) Why did Bholi feel frightened at the idea of being taken to school? Give two reasons. [3]
Answer:
(A) Ebright’s mother helped him by encouraging his interest in learning. She took him on trips, bought him telescopes, microscopes, cameras, mounting materials and other equipments, and helped him in many other ways. She always supported him in his scientific endeavors.
(B) Anil made his living in a very strange way. He borrowed money but repaid the loan whenever he earned money through his write-ups for magazines. He lived life according to the flow of money. When he got money, he enjoyed with his friends outside. When he had less money, he would spend less.
(C) Bholi was frightened at the thought of being taken to school because she had no idea what a school was like she had earlier seen a cow being taken out of the house to be sold.
Question 10.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words.
Lomov and Natalya have a complex relationship. Reflecting on their character traits, imagine a dialogue between Natalya and Chubokov where they are discussing about Lomov’s prospects as Natalya’s future husband.
OR
Critically examine Valli’s journey to the city as her introduction into the mystery of life and death. [6]
Answer:
- Natalya : Oh my heart, why did you turn him away father?
- Chubokov : The burden on me! You both were arguing! The pettifogger had the nerve to claim the Oxen Meadows.
- Natalya : But you know how much I want to marry him!
- Chubokov : The land, ah the land!
- Natalya : I know, father, but the land hardly costs anything. Oxen Meadows is ours, but I want Lomov father, please bring him back!
- Chubokov : What? Bring him back now? Why, my heart! You both can hardly stand each other.
- Natalya : I know, but I Love him so much. Bring him back, oh I am feeling restless.
- Chubokov : Oh, you want him back now? Want him back? After all that he had done to us? Calling us hump-backed and charging our peopLe for embezzLement! Ah, that turnip-ghost!
- NataLya : I don’t know, just bring him back here, I only want to marry him now.
- Chubokov : Oh, you are a Lovesick cat, NataLya! You have Lost your senses! Fine, go on, then! Marry him. Have your wiLL!
- NataLya : Oh, father! PLease bring him back, please do!
OR
VaLLi’s journey to the city is an introduction into the mystery of Life and death. On her onward journey to the town, Valli saw a cow running in speed in the middle of the road right in front of the bus. Looking at her, Valli kept on laughing and her eyes were filled with tears due to Laughter. She saw life drizzling out of that running cow. However, on her return journey, she saw the same cow but this time, she was dead, lying on the road. The cow was probably hit by some speeding vehicle. Valli recognised the cow and was filled with the feelings of sadness. She realised how death can stop life and its happiness.
Question 11.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words.
“The air was bitterly cold and he could not do without clothes.”
Troubling situations and the inescapable weather forced Griffin to turn lawless. Drawing reference from the statement given above, explain the experience of Griffin at the big London store.
OR
Read the following quote by William Shakespeare.
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”
Answer:
Griffin was an eccentric scientist who took some rare drugs and became invisible. To take revenge from his landlord, who disliked Griffin, he set fire to his house. Though invisibLe, he had to remove his cLothes to escape. As it was the middle of winter, Griffin decided to enter the big London store for warmth. Once the store was cLosed, he was free to do as he pLeased. He broke open boxes and wrappers, and stole some clothes to wear.
He then went into the kitchen, ate coLd meat, and drank coffee. Finally, he laid on a pile of quilts to sLeep. The foLLowing morning, he did not get up before the shop assistants reached. They found Griffin sleeping on the quilts. He woke up and tried to run away from the shop as servants ran after him. Griffin took off his clothes and became invisible once again. He did aLL of this onLy in a fervent attempt to save himself, although he ended up as a LawLess eccentric by the end of the story.
OR
MatiLda aLways beLieved that she deserved Luxury and comfort. When she was married off to a clerk, her discontentment with life grew deeper. Her dissatisfaction made her overLook the fact that she was married to a kind gentLeman. When her husband informed her about the invitation to the baLL, instead of being happy, she continued to compLain about the Lack of appropriate attire. Her husband compromised and gave her money for a new dress but then she complained about the lack ofjewellery.
She did Leave a mark at the baLL and was pLeased, but the joy soon turned into a nightmare as she Lost Madame Forestier’s diamond neckLace. In order to pay for the neckLace, she was forced to work hard and eventually lost everything that she had.
If she had been content and satisfied with what she had, her life would have been comfortable. However, her misfortune was one of her own making. Although she is treated by an ironic twist of fate and had to witness unpLeasant situations because of this, but had she vaLued what she had, the situations would not have been such for her. Her twisted fate is one of her making and she can rightfuLLy be heLd responsibLe for the consequences of her actions.