Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions Set 6 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Set 6 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) Marie Curie was one of the most accomplished scientists in history. Together with her husband, Pierre, she discovered radium, an element widely used for treating cancer, and studied uranium and other radioactive substances. Pierre and Marie’s amicable collaboration later helped to unlock the secrets of the
(2) Marie was born in 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, where her father was a professor of physics. At an early age, she displayed a brilliant mind and a blithe personality. Her great exuberance for learning prompted her to continue with her studies after high school She became disgruntled, however, when she learned that the university in Warsaw was closed to women. Determined to receive a higher education, she defiantly left Poland and in 1891 entered the Sorbonne, a French university, where she earned her master’s degree and doctorate in physics.
(3) Marie was fortunate to have studied at the Sorbonne with some of the greatest scientists of her day, one of whom was Pierre Curie. Marie and Pierre were married in 1895 and spent many productive years working together in the physics laboratory. A short time after they discovered radium, Pierre was killed by a horse-drawn wagon in 1906. Marie was stunned by this horrible misfortune and endured heartbreaking anguish. Despondently, she recalled their close relationship and the joy that they had shared in scientific research. The fact that she had two young daughters to raise by herself greatly increased her distress.
(4) Curie’s feeling of desolation finally began to fade when she was asked to succeed her husband as a physics professor at the Sorbonne. She was the first woman to be given a professorship at the world- famous university. In 1911, she received the Nobel Prize in chemistry for isolating radium.
Although Marie Curie eventually suffered a fatal illness from her long exposure to radium, she never became disillusioned about her work Regardless of the consequences, she had dedicated herself to science and to revealing the mysteries of the physical world.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the given questions:
(A) According to the author, what made Marie Curie the ever-existing name in the world of science? [1]
Answer:
Despite suffering from the fatal illness while working with radium, Marie Curie continued working for science regardless of the consequence and this made her an ever-existing name in the world of science.
(B) What message does the phrase ‘she never became disillusioned about her work’ convey? [1]
Answer:
The term ‘disillusioned’ means to be heavily disappointed by something. Marie was never disappointed by the risks involved in her work even after it gave her a fatal illness.
(C) What qualities did Perrie and Marie show when they worked together? Choose one option from the following:
(a) incompatibility
(b) envy
(c) camaraderie
(d) Jealousy [1]
Answer:
(c) camaraderie
Explanation: The term ‘camaraderie’ means to get along well together. In the passage, it is given that ‘Pierre and Marie’s amicable collaboration later helped r0 unlock the secrets of the atom.’ Amicable collaboration means friendliness and getting well together. Options (a), (b) and (d) do not reveal the same meaning. Hence, (c) is the right answer.
(D) Select the option with the underlined words that can suitably replace ‘desolation’ (paragraph IV).
(a) She was in aloom when her father left her all alone.
(b) Riya was so elated to know that she passed the test.
(c) The teacher was so strict while invigilating in the exam halL
(d) Mohan is a destitute bou who keeps worrying about his future all the time. [1]
Answer:
(a) She was in gloom when her father left her all alone.
Explanation: The term ’desolation’ means to be very sad. Here, (a) gloom means to be sad, (b) elated means to be happy, (c) strict means to be stern, (c) destitute means to be poor. Hence, (a) is the correct answer.
(E) Marie had a ‘blithe’ personality.
Substitute the word ‘blithe’ in ONE WORD. [1]
Answer:
callous
(F) Identify the qualities of Marie Curie, according to the given passage.
(1) determined
(2) brilliant
(3) carefree
(4) quarrelsome
(5) immoral
(a) (1), (2), (3)
(b) (4) and (5)
(c) (1), (4) and (5)
(d) (2) and (3) [1]
Answer:
(a) 1.2, 3
Explanation: According to the passage, Marie was (1) determined, (2) brilliant and (3) callous or carefree. She was not (4) quarrelsome or (5) immoral as it is nowhere mentioned in the passage. Also, she had an amicable relation with Pierre that means she was rather friendly. Hence, (a) is the right answer.
(G) Identify the tone in the given phrase-‘Marie was stunned by this horrible misfortune’. [1]
Answer:
shocked
Explanation: Pierre was dead in the horse-wagon accident. This news stunned Marie. She was in a shock.
(H) Choose the option that lists the quote best expressing the central idea of the given passage.
(a) The backbone of success is hard work, determination and perseverance.
(b) Do not stop working; work is the only key to success.
(c) Nothing grows but honesty and hard work.
(d) Hard work pays off. [1]
Answer:
(a) The backbone of success is hard work, determination and perseverance.
Explanation: In the given passage, it is clear that Marie was determined and worked hard even after the damage that the radium has done to her. She had also shown the perseverance by working even after hardships in her life. These qualities made her name ever-existing in the world of science. Here, (a) talks about hard work, determination and perseverance, (b) talks about only work, (c) talks about honesty and hard work while (d) talks about only hard work. Hence, (a) is the right answer.
(I) Marie and Pierre were married in 1897 and spent many productive years working together in the physics laboratory. (True/false) [1]
Answer:
False.
Explanation: Marie and Pierre were married in 1895, not in 1897.
(J) Complete the given analogy correctly with a word from the passage.
Productive : unproductive:: grouped : ………….. [1]
Answer:
isolated
Question 2.
Read the passage given below: (1 x 20 = 10)
The Measles Resurgence
(1) Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a range of psychological conditions characterised by abnormalities in social interaction, behaviour, interests, and communication. The five forms of ASD include Classical autism, Asperger syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Rett syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
Although the number of reported cases of ASD have experienced a dramatic increase in the past 25 years, the majority of doctors agree that this increase is due to changes in diagnostic practices and advances in the understanding of psychiatric health.
(2) While there is no general consensus among medical professionals about the underlying causes of ASD, theories range from genetic inheritance to environmental factors. One of the most controversial theories to have emerged in recent times is the hypothesis that ASD could be caused by the MMR vaccine, which is an immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella that was first developed in the 1960’s.
The vaccine is a mixture of three live viruses and is administered via injection to children when they are one year old. By the late 1990’s, this vaccination had led to the near-eradication of measles in countries that employed widespread inoculation. However, a combination of spurious scientific data and alarmist media attention led to an entirely preventable resurgence in measles cases in the early 21st century.
(3) The first claims of a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism were made in 1998, when an article in The Lancet a respected British medical journal reported on eight cases of autism that could possibly be traced back to the administration of an MMR vaccine.
The parents of the children in this study contended that the symptoms of autism in their children developed within days of vaccination. During a press conference, Andrew Wakefield, one of the authors of the article, called on British doctors to stop giving combined MMR vaccines, instead advocating for individual inoculations against measles, mumps, and rubella.
(4) Following the publication of this article, Wakefield published several follow-up papers that further questioned the safety of the MMR vaccine. An onslaught of media coverage then began. Parents appeared on television sharing anecdotal evidence linking their child’s inoculation to the onset of ASD.
The popular press quickly seized upon this story; in 2002, over 1200 articles were written about the link between MMR vaccines and ASD. Less than 30% of these articles mentioned that an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence suggested that these vaccinations were completely safe.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the given questions:
(A) The purpose of parents appearing on the television sharing anecdotal evidence was ……………… [1]
Answer:
to support the claim of a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism
(B) Select the option that is true for the two statements given below.
(1) According to a study, it is found that the cause behind ASD in children is increasing stress and anxiety at a tender age.
(2) The advancement in diagnostic techniques by doctors had proven great to decrease the number of ASD cases.
(a) (1) is the result of (2).
(b) (1) is the reason for (2).
(c) (1) is true and (2) is false
(d) Both (1) and (2) are false [1]
Answer:
(d) Both (1) and (2) are false
Explanation: It is clearly given in the passage that the medical professionals have not’ found the underlying causes of ASD. And due to changes in diagnostic practices and advances in the understanding of psychiatric health, there had been a big ‘increase’ in the number of cases of ASD. So, both (1) and (2) are false. Hence, (d) is the right answer.
(C) State the meaning of the statement “The popular press quickly seized upon this story.” [1]
Answer:
The statement conveys that the famous media publishers covered the story in all aspects.
(D) According to the doctors, the number of reported cases of ASD have experienced a dramatic increase in the past 25 years. It was because of ………………. [1]
Answer:
the changes in diagnostic practices and advances in the understanding of psychiatric health.
(E) Select the option listing what the given sentence refers to.
The symptoms of ASD did NOT include:
(1) abnormalities in social interaction
(2) high fever
(3) bipolar behavior
(4) unusual interests
(5) Abnormal communication
(a) (1), (2) and (5)
(b) (2) and (3)
(c) (4) and (5)
(d) (1), (3) and (5) [1]
Answer:
(b) (2) and (3)
Explanation: While symptoms like (1), (4) and (5) are stated in the passage, (2) high fever and (3) bipolar behavior are nowhere mentioned in the passage. Hence, (b) is the right answer.
(F) The MMR vaccine contained three live viruses. (True/false) [1]
Answer:
True
Explanation: It is given in the passage that The vaccine was a mixture of three live viruses and is administered via injection to children when they are one year old.’ Hence, it is true.
(G) The story of MMR vaccines and ASD relation got attention proving the power of ………………… [1]
Answer:
media
(H) Which of the following options suggest that the safety of the vaccines had no great evidence as such?
(a) The parents of the children in this study contended that the symptoms of autism in their children developed within days of vaccination.
(b) Wakefield published several follow¬up papers that further questioned the safety of the MMR vaccine.
(c) Parents appeared on television sharing anecdotal evidence linking their child’s inoculation to the onset of ASD.
(d) Less than 30% of these articles mentioned that an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence suggested that these vaccinations were completely safe. [1]
Answer:
(d) Less than 30% of these articles mentioned that an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence suggested that these vaccinations were completely safe.
Explanation: It is mentioned that only 30% of the published articles had an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence that suggested that these vaccinations were completely safe. Whereas this means that 70% supported the claim of vaccines being unsafe. Hence, (d) is the right answer.
(I) The MMR vaccine was first developed in the 1950’s. (True/false) [1]
Answer:
False.
Explanation: The MMR vaccine was first developed in the 1960s.
(J) Complete the given analogy correctly with a word from the passege
Dangerous : safe :: retreat: …………………. [1]
Answer:
resurgence
Section – B
Grammar (10 Marks)
Question 3.
Attempt ANY TEN of the given questions. (10 Marks)
(A) 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 that | Correction who | ||
| The students that were fighting for | Example | ||
| The flowers or fruits that they plucked | (i) | ……………………. | ……………………. |
| all both the things were in plenty, the | (ii) | ……………………. | ……………………. |
| Teacher called the student and asked him to | (iii) | ……………………. | ……………………. |
| distribute them. |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| (i) or | And |
| (ii) all | As |
| (iii) the | a |
(i) Explanation: The students plucked both the flowers and the fruits, not any one of them. Hence, this is the right answer.
(ii) Explanation: ‘As’ both the things were in plenty, the students were fighting to get them. All makes no sense here. Hence, this is the right answer.
(iii) Explanation: The teacher didn’t call any specific student. It could be any random person. Hence, this is the right answer.
(B) Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option for the given sentence.
Unfortunately, I have ……………….. talent for music although I have always wanted to be a famous singer.
(a) a few
(b) little
(c) plenty of
(d) few [1]
Answer:
(b) little
(C) Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option for the given sentence.
The report concludes sadly that ………………. students have ………………. knowledge of nuclear physics.
(a) very few / some
(b) both / whole
(c) every / no
(d) none / any [1]
Answer:
(a) very few / some
(D) Complete the given sentence by choosing the right option.
Although ………………. species of fox are reddish in colour, ………………… Arctic fox is often pure white.
(a) most / the
(b) any / the
(c) a great amount of/an
(d) None [1]
Answer:
(a) most/the
(E) The hospital board clearly mentioned that you …………………… smoke in the hospital as it is a health hazard for all.
(a) cannot
(b) must not
(c) need not
(d) might not [1]
Answer:
(b) must not.
Explanation: “Must” is a modal verb that is used to describe something which is necessary and morally correct. Here, a person ‘must’ not smoke in the hospital as it is injurious for patients. Hence, (b) is the right answer.
(F) There’s never ………………… petrol left after Rahul uses the car.
(a) much
(b) little
(c) many
(d) a little [1]
Answer:
(a) much.
Explanation: As ‘petrol’ is an uncountable noun, {a) is the right quantifier for it. Hence, (a) is the right answer.
(G) I am taking driving lessons now. Hopefully, I ………………….. my driving test by November.
(a) will take
(b) would pass
(c) will have taken
(d) will be taking [1]
Answer:
(c) will have taken.
Explanation: The speaker shows a possibility of an event to happen by November. He says that he will have already taken the test by that month. Hence, (c) is the right answer.
(H) Which option displays the correct change of the following to reported speech?
Sunitha asked Venkat, “How much is the rent for your flat?”
(a) Sunitha asked Venkat how much was his rent for flat.
(b) Sunitha asked Venkat how much the rent for his flat was.
(c) Sunita enquires from Venkat that how much rent he pays.
(d) Sunita told Venkat how much the rent for his flat was. [1]
Answer:
(b) Sunitha asked Venkat how much the rent for his flat was.
Explanation: Option (b) has the correct phrasing of the reported speech. Hence, (b) is the right answer.
(I) Which option displays the correct change of the following to reported speech?
She said, “I told Damanjit to send you an e-mail three days ago.”
(a) She told that Damanjit had mailed you three days then.
(b) She informed me that Damanjit has mailed me three days before.
(c) She says that she has told Damanjit to send me an E-mail three days then.
(d) She said that she had told Damanjit to send an e-mail to me three days before. [1]
Answer:
(d) She said that she had told Damanjit to send an E-mail to me three days before.
Explanation: Here, in reported speech, ‘told’ will be changed to ‘had told’ and ‘ago’ will be changed to ‘before’. Hence, (d) is the right answer.
(J) The dog …………………. under the chair before the children arrived.
(a) has been hiding
(b) was hid
(c) have hid
(d) had hidden [1]
Answer:
(d) had hidden.
Explanation: As the sentence is in the past tense, (d) is the right answer.
(K) The Amazon in Brazil is ……………….. longest river in ……………….. South America.
(a) the/an
(b) an/the
(c) the/the
(d) None of these [1]
Answer:
(c) the / the
(L) We could barely get any information at the airport. ………………… people seemed to have ……………….. idea about the flights.
(a) only a few / some
(b) a lot of / any
(c) many / any
(d) few / no
Answer:
(a) only a few / some.
Creative Writing Skills (5×2=10 Marks)
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words.
Taking help from the information given below, write a letter to the editor of a national daily showing your concern at the outdated education system which has not helped in creating more jobs in India. Also suggest some measures to make the education system more meaningful and job-oriented. You are Mohan/Mohini. (100-120 words)
Hints: Influence of western education due to colonisation-More theoretical; than practical-Not job-oriented- Vocational training required.
OR
The recent cyclone in the states of West Bengal and Odisha highlight the need for India to have dedicated funds which can be used to rebuild areas destroyed during national calamities. As Devesh/Devika, write a letter in 100-120 words to the editor of a national daily drawing attention of the authorities towards the need for a Natural Calamity Fund. Give suggestions on how funds for the same must be collected and how they must be utilised during natural calamities. [5]
Answer:
12, Kamla Lotia College Kanpur
20th March, 20XX
The Editor
The Hindustan Times New Delhi
Subject : Importance of Job-oriented Education
Respected Sir/Madam
Through the columns of your prestigious newspaper, I want to highlight that the education system in India needs to be revised. Our education system is not job- oriented as it contains more theoretical knowledge than practical. It needs to be revised according to today’s requirements. Also, more emphasis should be paid on the practice of the given theory for proper implementation of the knowledge learned. Most of the educational institutions are failing to fulfill the anthem of education.
Our present education system is merely a continuation of the western system introduced during the colonial era. It is highly in favour of academics. The old practices and traditions of the British era continue till today. School education provides a little or no vocational and technical training. The results are quite unproductive. Our educated young men and women do not get meaningful employment. Hence, their frustration finds outlets in oppositions and violence towards the government. It doesn’t augur well for the nation and its youth.
We have to wake up in order to catch up with the rest of the world. For this, it is necessary to maintain a desirable education system that would mould and equip the students to catch up with the changes of this modern world.The Government and the concerned educationists must revise the education system from new and meaningful angles. Vocational and technical education and training should be made an essential part of high-school education.
I hope the government and the educationists will rise up to the occasion and give a new definition and direction to our outdated education system, for ensuring jobs for the students.
Yours sincerely Mohan/Mohini
OR
25, xyz Enclave
Kolkata
22nd May 20XX
The Editor Times of India Kolkata
Subject: Need for National Calamity Fund
Dear Sir
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to draw the attention of the Government and the authorities towards the urgent need for a National Calamity Fund.
The recent cyclone has proven that if the country has ready funds available, the same can be used to help people immediately rather than waiting for a ministerial visit for help. The government must have a separate minister who should be responsible for managing funds and also immediate disbursement of funds to the people directly. Most of the times, money does not reach the people as it is taken by middlemen.
The NCF ministry must frame a plan so that money can be transferred into the account of the people. The minister must oversee the rebuilding work and ensure that there is no misappropriation of funds. It must be made compulsory for all business houses to put a certain percentage of their income into this fund. Record of such contributions must be maintained and action must be taken against those who fail to contribute.
The PM must oversee the rebuilding work personally to ensure that there is no misappropriation of funds. I hope the concerned authorities will take note and do the needful to ensure that people get immediate help in times of calamities without being left at the mercy of the unscrupulous officials.
Yours sincerely
Devesh/Devika
Question 5.
Attempt any one of the following in 100-120 words.
You are a teacher at a reputed school in the city. The following bar graph shows a comparative analysis of students’ performance in different subjects in the terminal exam. Write an analytical paragraph on the variation in the performances of students in about 100¬120 words to be presented at the Annual teachers meet
Scale:
OR
The following excerpt is taken from ‘The Times’ on the ill-treatment of animals and steps to prevent it.
“It is distressing to see the attitude of people towards animals and find that cases of cruelty towards animals is increasing. The following pie chart represents the attitude of people towards animals.”
- 50% of people blieve that animals are meant to be used to provide them help.
- to help them earn more.
- exploit animals for selfish interest
- 35% of people feel they do not used to do naything to change the scenario.
- they are worse than criminals.
- witness the crul acts, say nothing
- 15% of people believe themselve to be superior
- Feel they need to keep animals as slaves.
- have no empathy towards animals.
As Simran/Dhruv, write the analysis of the above statement in 100-120 words.
Answer:
Students Performance Analysis
Analysing the performance of students not only provides an insight into how their score vary through the year but also helps identify areas that need more work. The survey shows that the performance of students showed some improvement in the second term with most students scoring higher marks in Maths and Science in the second term.
The scores in Maths and Science were above 80 in the first term. However in, Maths, most students scored above 90 marks in the second term. Students scored between 60¬70 marks in Hindi and English, which means more effort is required in the two subjects, especially in Hindi as the students scored less in the second term. There was marginal improvement in the second term marks in English and Social Science. However, efforts must be made to ensure that the overall scores improve in the next academic session, hence teachers must plan accordingly in order to help students score higher marks.
Students must be given additional practice so that more students score 100 marks in Maths and Science. This will help improve the school’s performance in the board examination.
OR
The Pain of Animals
There has been an alarming increase in the cases of cruelty against animals. Each day one reads about the heartless treatment meted out to the poor animals who have no voice to speak up for themselves.
A recent study undertaken to analyse the reason behind the callous treatment of animals showed that almost 50% of people believe that animals are meant to be used to provide them help and earn more money hence, they exploit animals for their selfish interest. To earn more, they kill animals, conduct experiments on them, use their skin to make leather and fur products. The worst culprits are those 35% of people who have an indifferent attitude and feel that they do not need to do anything to change the situation. These people are worse than criminals as they witness the cruel acts of people and do nothing to stop or prevent it.
Added to this, 15% of people believe that they are the superior species and animals are meant to be kept as slaves who will work for them. This callous attitude needs to be replaced with one of empathy and we must understand that we are not the sole owners of the Earth, we share the bounties of mother nature with all the other animals and they have the same right to live a life of freedom as we do. Strict laws need to be enforced to prevent cruelty against animals and any individual found guilty must be dealt with severity.
Section – C
Literature (40 Marks)
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1 x 5 = 5)
The foliowing Sunday Lencho came a bit earlier than usual to ask if there was a letter for him. It was the postman himself who handed the letter to him while the postmaster, experiencing the contentment of a man who has performed a good deed, looked on from his office. Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his confidence – but he became angry when he counted the money.
God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested. Immediately, Lencho went up to the window to ask for paper and ink. On the public writing-table, he started to write, with much winkling of his brow, caused by the effort he had to make to express his ideas.
(A) How did Lencho feel when he counted the money?
(a) He was astonished.
(b) He was pleased.
(c) He was enraged.
(d) He was not bothered. [1]
Answer:
(c) He was enraged.
Explanation: Lencho was not shocked to see the money as he knew that God will definitely help him. Neither was he pleased as he found the amount less than what he requested for. So a & b can not be the answer. He was enraged with God (c) for not sending the requested amount.
(B) Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are not true according to the given extract:
(1) Lencho was very casual in his duties.
(2) Lencho was a simple pure heart
(3) Lencho was extremely happy to see the amount
(4) Lencho was not a hard working farmer.
(5) Lencho was angry on the amount being sent by God.
(6) Lencho had requested God to send him some amount
(7) Lencho wrote a letter to God.
(a) (1), (3), (4)
(b) (2), (3), (4)
(c) (5), (6), (7)
(d) (1), (2), (3) [1]
Answer:
(a) (1), (3), (4)
Explanation: Lencho was a pure heart who believed that God will definitely respond to his request to send him money . He had written a letter to God for this. Hence sentences 2, 6 & 7 are True. Lencho got angry when he saw the amount sent by God, so 5 is True and 3 is Not True. Lencho was a hard working farmer who performed his duties diligently. Hence 1 & 4 are Not True. So the answer here is (a).
(C) Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) of the statements below:
(1) Lencho firmly believed that Go would help him.
(2) Lencho was not a wise farmer.
(3) Lencho wrote a letter to God, requesting him to send him seventy
(4) Post master was a mature and kind hearted person as we could understand the problems of Lencho.
(a) F – (1), (2), (3) and O – (4)
(b) F – (1), (3), (4) and O – (2)
(c) F – (1), (2) and O – (3), (4)
(d) F – (1), (2) and O – (1), (3) [1]
Answer:
(b) F – (1), (3), (4) and O – (2)
Explanation: From the reading of the story we get to know that Lencho had a firm belief in God and that he had written a letter to God requesting him money. We also know that the postmaster collected money for Lencho and gave it to him pretending as if God had sent the money. So 1, 3 & 4 are proven facts. Only 2 can be considered as an opinion about Lencho as we do not have any evidence for it in the story. Hence the answer here is (b).
(D) Which word does ‘contentment’ NOT correspond to?
(a) Relaxed
(b) Happy
(c) Satisfied
(d) Sad [1]
Answer:
(d)Sad
Explanation: A person who is contented is satisfied, happy and feels reLaxed. So a, b & c are not the answers. Here the answer is (d).
(E) How much money Lencho had asked God for? [1]
Answer:
The story tells us that Lencho asked God 100 pesos and received only 70 pesos.
OR
When the train had gone, I found myself standing alone on the deserted platform. I had no idea where to spend the night. I had no friends, believing that friends were more trouble than help. And I did not want to make anyone curious by staying at one of the small hotels near the station. The only person I knew really well was the man I had robbed. Leaving the station, I walked slowly through the bazaar. In my short career as a thief I had made a study of men’s faces when they had lost their goods.
The greedy man showed fear; the rich man showed anger; the poor man showed acceptance. But I knew that Anil’s face, when he discovered the theft, would show only a touch of sadness. Not for the loss of money, but for the loss of trust. I found myself in the maidan and sat down on a bench. The night was chilly – it was early November – and a light drizzle added to my discomfort. Soon it was raining quite heavily. My shirt and pyjamas stuck to my skin, and a cold wind blew the rain across my face.
(A) Choose the incorrect option that does not aligns with the thoughts of the writer.
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4) [1]
Answer:
(c) Option (3)
Explanation: Option (1) shows a greedy person, which the author was, as he robbed his friend. He had enough money to live like a rich person (b). As he had robbed his friend, so he was a thief (d). He wasn’t poor now. So (c) is the correct answer.
(B) Why was the speaker standing at the platform?
Answer:
The speaker had robbed his friend Anil, who had trusted him and he now wanted to escape.
(C) The statement that is TRUE about the passage is:
(a) The speaker of the given passage is Max.
(b) The thought of loneliness plagues the speaker.
(c) The speaker is happg to be without friends.
(d) The speaker did not want to leave the town. [1]
Answer:
(b) The thought of Loneliness plagues the speaker.
Explanation: From the reading of the passage we can make out that the speaker is feeling lonely so (c) cannot be true. He was afraid of being caught after the robbery, so (d) is also not the answer. The speaker’s name we know is Hari so (a) is also not the answer. Here the answer is (b).
(D) ‘It was early November’. What added to the discomfort of the speaker?
(1) The weather was chilly.
(2) It was drizzling.
(3) Cold wind blew the rain across the speaker’s face.
(4) He had misssed the train.
(a) (1 and 2)
(b) (2 and 3)
(c) (1 and 4)
(d) (3 and 4) [1]
Answer:
(b) (2) and (3)
Explanation: As it was the month of November the weather had to be chilly so (1) is not the answer. Hari Singh had deliberately missed the train so (4) is also not true. As it was drizzling (2) and the cold wind blew the rain across his face (3), due to which he felt some discomfort. So the answer here is (b).
(E) The extract uses the phrase “but for the loss of trust”. Which of the following expressions is incorrect with respect to “Loss” of: [1]
Answer:
(d) Intelligence
Explanation: We loose happiness (a), money (b), funds (c) but we never at a loss of intelligence (d). So this is the right answer.
Question 7.
Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given. (1 x 5 = 5)
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
(A) Find the synonyms of the word “shook” from the given options with respect to the poem.
(a) to surprise
(b) to distort
(c) to shift
(d) to throw [1]
Answer:
(d) to throw
Explanation: Here in this stanza the word shook tells us that some snow was shed over the poet by the crow. So there is no feeling of surprise (a), nor was anything distorted (b) or shifted (c). Rather the crow’s movement threw some snow on the poet. So the answer here is (d).
(B) What is the rhyme scheme of the given stanza? [1]
Answer:
In this stanza 1st and 3rd lines are rhyming. And the 2nd and 4th lines have the same rhyme. So the scheme here is a b a b. Thus, (c) is the right answer.
(C) This stanza brings out the contrast between …………………. and ……………….. [1]
Answer:
bad omen; joy
(D) What is the poet not likely to say to the readers?
(a) The crow threw snow over the poet.
(b) The crow was sitting over the hemlock tree.
(c) The crow represented despair.
(d) The hemlock tree represented bad omen. [1]
Answer:
(b) The crow was sitting over the hemlock tree.
Explanation: The poem as we have read is about how a crow who is considered a symbol of’despair’ sheds snow on the poet. The crow was sitting on a Hemlock tree which is a bad omen. So a, c & d are not the answers. Here the answer is (b)
(E) How did the dust of snow affect the poet? [1]
Answer:
The poet was already sad so, the setting of the poem depicts a gloomy mood. In the poem, the poet has contrasted the feelings of despair and joy. So, though the snow was shed from a Hemlock tree by a crow but still it changed his mood and he felt happy.
OR
What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over – there it is in the water!
No use to say – ‘O there are other balls’:
(A) What does the expression ‘what, what is he to do?’ denotes? [1]
Answer:
The line here portrays the central idea of the poem that tells us that the time gone by never returns. Here, loss of ball or further action of play is not at all the idea. Nor does a loss ever brings happiness. Here the line shows grief about the time lost by means of the loss of the ball.
(B) What does the ball gone into the water symbolises?
(a) The ball will become wet
(b) The boy will have to buy a new ball
(c) The time that has gone by.
(d) The boy will be scolded by his parents. [1]
Answer:
(c) The time that has gone by. Explanation: The ball in this poem is used to show the time that is rolling away quickly. Hence the ball is not meant
in its real sense but as a poetic symbol so a, b & d can not be the answer. The ball gone into water can not be brought back the same as the time gone by. So the correct answer is (c).
(C) The word ‘merrily’ does not have a meaning similar to:
(a) Happily
(b) Joyfully
(c) Cheerfully
(d) Sadly [1]
Answer:
(d) Sadly
Explanation: Merrily is always used in the sense of joy and happiness so (a), (b) and (c) are not the answer, (d) is the correct answer here.
(D) It is no use to say- ‘O there are other balls’ because …………………… [1]
Answer:
there are special memories attached that this ball.
(E) ‘What is the boy now, who has lost his ball’. Which feeling is expressed in this line?
(a) regret
(b) cheerful
(c) despair
(d) no feelings [1]
Answer:
(a) regret
Explanation: In these lines the feelings of a person are expressed who can just watch the time flying away and can do nothing. These feelings are expressed through a boy who is standing and watching his ball rolling into the water and can do nothing. The boy is not at all cheerful (b) on the loss.
Every moment of our lives generates some feelings so (d) is not the answer. The boy may have a feeling of despair (c) but he still has some hope. The boy stands there and regrets having not been able to catch the ball. Same is our feeling when we see the time flying away. So (a) is the correct answer.
Question 8.
Answer ANY FOUR questions in 40-50 words each. (4 x 3 = 12)
(A) What were Valli’s emotions when the elderly man expressed concern that she was standing on the bus seat? [3]
(B) Custard’s reaction was different from that of others, on seeing the pirate. Using evidence from the poem, explain how this difference is represented in ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’. [3]
(C) Justify the poet’s allusion to Rapunzel in the poem ‘Amanda’. [3]
(D) What does the poet Walt Whitman suggest by saying that ‘they do not sweat and whine about their condition’ in the poem ‘Animals’? [3]
(E) When the writer says, ‘Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the olden days’, what did he mean? [3]
Answer:
(A) Valli was fairly displeased when the elderly man expressed concern that she was standing on the bus seat She was annoyed by the way she was treated like a little child in the bus.
(B) Belinda’s other pets always teased Custard and called him a coward, but Custard was the only one who stood up to fight the pirate when he broke in. The others ran away to save themselves.
(C) The poet in the poem ’Amanda’, uses allusion to depict that Amanda knows that as Rapunzel let her hair down, she was freed from the confines of the castle. However, Amanda wishes to live alone without any disturbance so unlike Rapunzel, she doesn’t want to escape.
(D) In the poem, the poet Walt Whitman said this phrase with reference to the animals. By this, he suggests that animals are satisfied and content with whatever they have in their lives. They do not cry about the situation they deal with.
(E) Through the given statement, the writer wants us to know that the eaters of the Portuguese bread have reduced in numbers today. This indicates that baking as a profession is now no longer that profitable which it used to be in the olden days.
Question 9.
Answer ANY TWO questions in 40-50 words each. (2 x 3 = 6)
(A) What was Tricki’s big flaw? [3]
(B) What was the reason behind Matilda’s incessant suffering? [3]
(C) How did Travels of Monarch X’ change Ebright’s life? [3]
Answer:
(A) Tricki could never say no to food and he could eat at any time of the day, whenever he had the desire to eat. This was the only flaw that Tricki had. Because of this reason, he became overweight and started to have physical issues.
(B) Matilda was simple but unhappy and filled with discontent. She believed that she deserved a better life and because of this, she suffered incessantly, feeling herself born for all delicacies and luxuries. She suffered from poverty and lived in a house with shabby walls and worn chairs that made her angry.
(C) The book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ opened the world of science for Richard. After reading it, he became interested in tracking the migration of butterflies and learning more about them. This interest led him to his other projects and experiments. Finally, he became a great scientist.
Question 10.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words.
In ‘A Letter to God’, Lencho asks for remaining 30 pesos from God distrusting the postmaster.
Based on your understanding of the story and the characters, showcase an imaginary situation wherein both characters discuss the issue.
OR
Natalya and Ivan argued about the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the superiority of their respective dogs in the play, The Proposal. Based on your understanding of the personality traits reflected through the given points of arguments of Natalya and Ivan, develop a conversation, showcasing another argument between them.
You may begin like this:
Natalya: Hello, Ivan. I wasn’t expecting you to be here.
Ivan: Hello, I am equally surprised to see you here.
Natalya: Why are you surprised? ………………… [6]
Answer:
The characteristic faith of Lencho ensured that he believed in God and subsequently feel cheated by the postmaster and other post office employees.
- Lencho : What a bunch of crooks you all are!
- Postmaster : And you accuse us, so! Where would your remaining money go if God had sent it as well?
- Lencho : I feel that you have embezzled my money!
- Postmaster : Oh, embezzled your money? Why would we keep the remaining pesos with us?
- Lencho : You were afraid of God. You shared some portion with me and the rest you shared amongst yourselves!
- Postmaster : But why would we contribute the money if we had to take a share from it secretly?
- Lencho : What do you mean by that? How did you contribute the money?
- Postmaster : Although we value your devotion, but it was only the post office employees who contributed a share of their money and collected 70 pesos.
- Lencho : What are you saying now? Do you mean God gave me no money?
- Postmaster : I’m afraid. God gave you strength to bear the situation but the money was shared with you by the post office employees.
- Lencho : Oh, all my devotion! How would I have known? I am really regretful about the entire situation.
- Postmaster : We would like you to place the same faith in God and keep striding out through your difficulties.
OR - Natalya: Hello, Ivan. 1 wasn’t expecting you to be here.
- Ivan : Hello, 1 am equally surprised to see you here.
- Natalya: Why are you surprised? 1 come here often, rather 1 thought this wasn’t something a person like you would like.
- Ivan : Well, if you come here often then you shouLd have known that 1 am a member of the book club here. How much you do like to lie! What else can one expect from someone who likes to stake claim to things belonging to others.
- Natalya: Are you sure you are not talking about yourself? After all, you lay false claim to own Oxen Meadows which have been in our family for generations. And 1 don’t believe you come here often, as they have a policy against allowing drunks in here.
- Ivan : That’s it. 1 am going to take this matter to court now.
- Natalya: Yes and then the truth will come out!
Question 11.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100¬120 words.
“But I knew that Anil’s face, when he discovered the theft, would show only a touch of sadness. Not for the loss of money, but for the loss of trust.”
All this while, Hari Singh was conscious about the seriousness of his act. Elaborate.
OR
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
Reflecting on George Bernard Shaw’s message as given above, elaborate on how the story of ‘Bholi’ highlights the condition of girls across the country and gives out a strong message. Elucidate. [6]
Answer:
Hari Singh was only fifteen years old therefore, he had a short career as a thief. He had become experienced and was fairly successful at his work. As a thief Hari Singh had made a study of faces and felt that it was easy to rob a greedy man because the greedy man could afford it, yet the greedy man showed fear on the loss of his goods, the rich man showed anger; and the poor man showed acceptance.
Hari Singh, however, thought that it was difficult to rob a careless man as sometimes this kind of person doesn’t even notice that he/she has been robbed and this takes away all the pleasure out of the work. Hari Singh found it a pleasure to work for Anil as he found him to be a simple man. Anil was not rich but still he was not greedy or desperate for money.
Hari Singh knew that when Anil would come to know about the loss of his money, he would be sad, not for the loss of the money but for the Loss of trust. Hari Singh felt tortured by the remorse Anil would feel on noticing that his trust had been betrayed by Hari.
OR
Bholi is a shy and timid girl who faces ridicule on account of her looks. Her parents consider her a burden as they feel her looks will make it difficult for them to find a suitable match for her. Her parents don’t send her to school as they think she is dumb. Hence, call her Bholi, which means stupid.
However, Bholi proves everyone wrong and blossoms under the nurturing of her teacher. Her parents still follow the old traditions and fix her marriage with a lame old man. True to the hypocritical practice of the society, the old man asks for dowry as Bholi is not pretty. The same is seen in our society on a regular basis.
Girls are married off without consent or tortured for not bringing desired dowry. Bholi stands up for herself and refuses to marry the old man giving the strong message that girls must become independent and self- reliant. Thus, she rises above the material and social conditions of the society she inhabited and created a unique identity for herself by believing in the value of self-reliance.