Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions Set 8 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Set 8 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) Listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret message in the communication process. One of the greatest gifts any of us can ever receive is the gift of listening. It is also one of the greatest gifts we can ever give. Unfortunately, it appears to be a lost art. We live in a world where everyone is talking but few are listening. What often passes for listening is simply one person pausing to collect their thoughts for their next soliloquy.
(2) Hearing refers to the sounds that you hear, whereas listening requires more than that it requires focus. Listening means paying attention not only to the story, but how it is told, the use of language and voice, and how the other person uses his or her body. In other words, it means being aware of both verbal and non-verbal messages. Your ability to listen effectively depends on the degree to which you perceive and understand these messages.
(3) Listening is a difficult task. Like every skill the more you do it, the better you get up. Listening can be developed through practice, or lost if not used regularly. Good listeners focus on what they are hearing. They pause to think about what they’ve heard before responding. They ask questions because they want to know the answers. Not just to keep the conversation going.
(4) So often, we are distracted with other things. We try to listen while continuing to work on the computer or watch television. To be fully present means we eliminate these distractions and focus exclusively on the other person. It takes great effort to be fully in the moment, leaning forward, eyes and heart open. Words are only the part of communication.
Sometimes we need to experience the other person’s feelings to really understand. We need to listen with our heart as well as our mind. We must repeat back what the other person has said. When we do this-and do it accurately-we communicate that we understand. It also gives us an opportunity to re-calibrate our understanding if we have misunderstood something. Plenty of people are good talkers, few are good listeners. If you develop the latter skill, you will find yourself invited into amazing conversations that wouldn’t otherwise happen.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the given questions:
(A) According to the passage, listening appear to be a lost art because we live in a world where …………………. [1]
Answer:
Everyone is talking but few are listening.
(B) Choose the options with the sentences that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
(I) Words are only the part of communication.
(II) Lots of people are good listeners.
(III) Listening refers to the voice that you heat.
(IV) Good listeners focus on what they hear.
(V) Listening is a tough task.
(VI) Hearing requires no focus.
(a) II, III, VI
(b) III, V, VI
(c) I, III, IV
(d) I, IV, VI [1]
Answer:
(a) II, III, VI
Explanation: The context shows (i) negligence as the person will ‘ignore’ the limits and (iv) recklessness as the person knows that ‘he has reached his limit but still chooses to see how long can he get by with it”. It doesn’t show any of (ii), (iii) or (v) options. Hence, option (a ) is the right answer.
(C) Fill in the blank with the correct option.
……………….. focus on what they are hearing.
(a) good listeners
(b) good orators
(c) good understanding
(d) good speakers [1]
Answer:
(a) good listeners
(D) Select the option that best captures the central idea of the passage from the following.
(a) Do more listening than talking
(b) Never stop listening
(c) Learn by talking
(d) Listening is talking [1]
Answer:
(a) Do more listening than talking
(E) We need to experience the other person’s feelings:
(a) to really understand
(b) to be the part of the communication
(c) to recalibrate our understanding
(d) to keep the conversation going [1]
Answer:
(a) to really understand
Explanation: In order to understand the other person completely, we need to listen to him through both our heart and mind. Hence (a) is the right answer.
(F) What our ability to listen effectively depends on?
(a) how the other person uses his or her body
(b) use of language and voice
(c) both (a) and (b)
(d) degree to which we perceive and understand the messages [1]
Answer:
(d) degree to which we perceive and understand the messages
(G) We need to ………………… with our heart as well as our mind. [1]
Answer:
listen
(H) ‘hearing’, different from ‘listening’ as:
(a) Hearing eliminates distraction; Listening gives us an opportunity to re-calibra our understanding
(b) Hearing is the ability to receive message; Listening is the ability to interpret message
(c) Hearing refers to the sounds that you hear; Listening means paying attention not only to the story, but how is it told
(d) Option (a), (b) and (c) [1]
Answer:
(c) Hearing refers to the sounds that you hear; Listening means paying attention not only to the story, but how is it told
(I) Listening refers to observing the sounds you hear. True/False [1]
Answer:
False
Explanation: Listening refers to paying attention not only to the sounds you hear but also on the language, tone, voice, style, etc.
(J) Complete the given analogy correctly with a word from the passage.
Accurately : perfectly :: ……………… : unfocussed [1]
Answer:
Distracted
Question 2.
Read the passage given below.
(1) Millions of tons of small waste from plastic bags, bottles and clothes in the world’s ocean present a serious threat to human health and marine environment. This is a warming issued by the U.N. in a report on the most dangerous environmental problem facing the world today. Global plastic production has increased considerably in years nearly by 38%.
(2) A poor waste management means when we have finished with our takeaways contains cigarette butts and party balloons, they are worn down into trillions of even small particles by the waves. Therefore, there is a growing presence of these micro plastic the world’s oceans.
(3) It was estimated in 2010 that millions of tons of plastic was washed into the season have since shown up in the stomachs of whales, plankton and other marine life. Richard Thompson, professor of marine biology said that in laboratory experiments the proof that micro plastic an cause harm to organisms.
(4) More than a quarter of all fish now contained plastic, according to a recent study why analysed the guts of fish sold in California. Scientist fear that chemical sin plastician also chemicals which attach themselves to plastic in natural environment could each poisoning and many disorders in marine lie if consumed in huge quantities.
(5) Even human could be adversely affected by the plastic. People could even be brething in plastic micro-particles suspended in the air with the risk of harmful effect on the lungs similar to air fumes.
(6) Volunteers around the world collect trash and tally up what they find on the fall in Ocean’s Conservancy’s Annual International Coastal Cleanup. The result item-by-item, location-by-location Ocean Trash Index provides the only snapshot of marine debris littering coasts and waterways around the world, according to Ocean Conservancy.
(7) Boyance Slat, a Dutch student has developed a technology that could sift dangerous plastic particle out of the ocean and sell them for profit or re-cycling. Richard Thompson recommended that people avoid using products with micro beads and to make sure they dispose of all plastic products in a appropriate way by, if possible.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the given questions:
(A) Select the option that is true for the two statements given below.
(1) More than a quarter of all fish now have plastics present in them.
(2) Millions of tons of plastic waste is present in the world’s oceans.
(a) (1) is the result of (2)
(b) (1) is the reason for (2)
(c) Both (1) and (2) are true
(d) (1) contradicts (2) [1]
Answer:
(a) (1) is the result of (2).
Explanation: It is clearLy given in passage that due to the plastic waste amalgamating in the waters of the oceans, the marine life is risked and contaminated with micro-plastics in them. Hence, (a) is the right answer.
(B) According to the passage, Richard Thompson is a …………………. [1]
Answer:
Professor in marine biology
(C) ……………… provides the only snapshot of marine debris littering coasts and waterways. [1]
Answer:
Ocean Trash Index
(D) Through what does the cigarette butts and party balloons worn down into smaller particles? [1]
Answer:
Waves
(E) We can find out that more than a quarter of all fish contained plastics in them by:
(a) the stark warming issued by the UN in a report on the most dangerous environmental problems facing the world today.
(b) collecting trash and tallying up what they find each day
(c) laboratory experiments performed by Richard Thompson a profession marine biology.
(d) analysing the fish sold in California [1]
Answer:
(d) analysing the fish sold in California.
(F) Choose the correct set of statement which is NOT TRUE.
(I) Plastic could have similar effects like car fumes.
(II) Chemicals which attach themselves to plastic in natural environment could cause poisoning in marine life.
(III) Humans will never be adversely affected by the plastic.
(IV) In 2001, Millions of tons of plastic was washed into the sea.
(V) There is a growing presence of micro plastics in the world’s oceans.
(a) (II), (V)
(b) (I), (V)
(c) (I), (II)
(d) (III), (IV) [1]
Answer:
(d) (III), (IV)
(G) What amount of paper bags in the index are diffused into the oceans? [1]
Answer:
298,332
(H) Fill in the blank with with the correct option.
There are …………………. beverage cans found in the index.
(a) 337,865
(b) 339,875
(c) 339,445
(d) 333,347 [1]
Answer:
(b) 339,875
(I) Richard Thompson has recommended to use product that has no micro-beads of plastic into them. True/False. [1]
Answer:
True
(J) How can the technology developed by Beyonce Slat help to curb the plastic issue? [1]
Answer:
Beyonce Slat has developed a technology that can shift the dangerous plastic particles out of the ocean and recycle it.
Section – B
Grammar (10 Marks)
Question 3.
Attempt ANY TEN of the given questions.
(A) Choose the correct option to fill in the blank to complete the note about the Wangala Festival of Meghalaya.
The Wangala ……………. festival for the Garo in Meghalaya, Assam and Nagaland. It is a post-harvest festival celebrated to mark the end of the agricultural year. It is popularly known as ‘The Hundred Drums’ festival.
(a) is important
(b) are an important
(c) was the important
(d) is an important [1]
Answer:
(d) is an important
(B) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.
You ………………. consult the Thesaurus if you need groups of synonyms for those words.
(a) had to
(b) need to
(c) used to
(d) might [1]
Answer:
(b) need to
(C) Complete the given sentence with the correct form of (be).
Everybody …………………. keen to participate in the upcoming nukkad natak.
(a) are
(b) has
(c) is
(d) were [1]
Answer:
(c) is
(D) Rll in the gap with the right quantifier.
The good news is that …………………. volunteers dropped out this month than the last two.
(a) fewer
(b) less
(c) few
(d) a little [1]
Answer:
(a) fewer
(E) Complete the given sentence with the correct articles.
It was …………………. historic day for the organisation when …………………. honour was bestowed upon its employees.
(a) a; an
(b) an; the
(c) the; a
(d) an; a [1]
Answer:
(a) a; an
(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 of | Correction of | ||
| Chess is called the game off kings. | Example | ||
| It has being around for a long time. | (i) | ……………………. | ……………………. |
| People have been played it for over 500 years. | (ii) | ……………………. | ……………………. |
| Chess was based on an even older game from India. | (iii) | ……………………. | ……………………. |
| The chess we play today is from Europe. |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| (i) being | Been |
| (ii) played | Playing |
| (iii) was | is |
(G) I ……………… not budge an inch from the righteous path.
(a) shall
(b) might
(c) can
(d) will [1]
Answer:
(d) will
(H) It ……………….. no tress, building or billboards.
(a) have
(b) will have
(c) has
(d) would have [1]
Answer:
(c) has
(I) A number of people ………………. reported to be missing in the car accident at Pune.
(a) is
(b) are
(c) were
(d) was [1]
Answer:
(c) were
(J) We don’t think there will be a severe shortage of drinkable water because there was rainfall yesterday.
(a) a lot of
(b) few
(c) many
(d) lots [1]
Answer:
(a) a lot of
(K) Change the narration of the following sentence by choosing the correct option Ram said to me, “Why did you not complete your assigment?”
(a) Ram asked me why I did not complete my assigment.
(b) Ram told me why I has not completed my assigment.
(c) Ram asked me why I had not completed my assigment.
(d) Ram informed me why I had not completed my assigment. [1]
Answer:
(b) Ram told me why I has not completed my assigment.
(L) Change the narration of the following sentence by choosing the correct option.
He said to his maid, “Why are you so lazy today?”
(a) He asked his maid why he had been so lazy that day.
(b) He asked his maid why he was so lazy that day.
(c) He asked his maid why was he so lazy that day.
(d) He asked his maid why he was being so lazy that day. [1]
Answer:
(b) He asked his maid why he was so lazy that day.
Question 4.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words.
You are Tabassum/Tarun, a resident of Satya Nagar Colony, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. You have noticed that some residents of your colony are repeatedly flouting quarantine rules laid out during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Write a letter to the SHO of the local Police Station, drawing attention towards the same.
Explain how such acts impact the health of the community and request immediate intervention and strict action.
OR
You are Vaijanthi/Vijay from Prakasham Nagar, Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Write a letter to Book Haven Store, requesting home delivery of the books, stationery and art materials you had ordered telephonically. Share the reason for being unable to pick up the goods in person. Confirm your address details and a convenient time slot. [5]
Answer:
25-Satya Nagar Colony
Bhubaneshwar Orissa
14th October 2020
SHO, Satya Nagar
Police Station
Bhubaneshwar Orissa
Subject: Concern over flouting of quarantine rules.
Sir
This is to draw your attention to the constant flouting of quarantine norms by the residents. Despite the repeated requests by the RWA and reminders residents are showing a complete disregard of the rules.
People are moving around the complex in groups without wearing masks, showing complete disregard for the guidelines. This casual attitude is not only harmful for them but reflects a complete disregard for the well-being of others. The RWA has also not made any efforts to check this behavior. The elderly are stressed that this will further aggravate an already serious situation. As a concerned resident this is an urgent appeal that you look into the matter and take stringent action against those breaking the norms. Kindly instruct the RWA to strictly enforce the guidelines. I hope that your interference in this regard will go a long way in controlling the spread of the virus.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Tabassum/Tarun
OR
25, Prakasham Nagar
Secunderabad
Andhra Pradesh
12th March 20XX
The Manager
Book Haven Store
Secunderabad
Subject: Request for Home Delivery of Order.
This is with reference to the order of books, stationary and art materials which I had placed telephonically on 11th March 20XX at 5:00 pm. I was to collect the order on 13th March 20XX but due to an emergency in the family I will not be able to collect the order in person.
I need the ordered material urgently and I humbly request you to kindly have the order delivered at the address mentioned above. I would be grateful if the order could be delivered between 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm tomorrow. The payment for the same will be made in cash to the delivery executive.
I would be grateful if you would look into the matter and expedite the delivery at my home address. In case of any difficulty in locating the address, the delivery executive can call at the 89765XXXXX.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Vijay
Question 5.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words.
The chart below displays data about the number of digital devices purchased in Rishunagar across the years 2015-2019. Write a paragraph analyzing the given data.
Digital devices purchased across years in Rishunagar.
OR
Read the following excerpt from an article that appeared in the magazine section of a local daily:
The ban on single-use plastic is impractical. The purpose of articles like bags and packaging is ultimately to make human life easier. Plastic articles do this well, so they shouldn’t be banned.
Write a paragraph to analyse the given argument.
You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include rationale/evidence that would strengthen / counter the given argument. [5]
Answer:
Technology governs every facet of our life and the given data shows how the staggering figures of digital device sales. The given data clearly shows how from being a luxury computers and smartphones have become a necessity. In 2015, about 3500 computers and 42000 smartphones were purchased. However, the sales of digital devices have shown a gradual increase over the past four years.
There is a very clear indication that people prefer buying smartphones over computers. The sales of smartphones have always been more than computers barring the year 2017 when in contrast to 81000 computers 78000 smartphones were sold. Preference of smartphones also indicates that people find it easier to work with smartphones and since they offer much of the same features as computers and are easy to carry.
The year 2019 shows a sharp spike crossing the 100,000 mark in a year which is a clear indicator of our dependence on this digital device. Given the present situation the sales are bound to continue with this upward trend.
Single use plastic epitomizes the present day culture and this has devastating connotations for the environment. Taking note of this governments’ world over are joining hands to ban plastic. Bit is that really a solution, when everything is plastic-from medical equipment to furniture to household equipment We are yet to come up with an alternative to plastic and think of how plastic gas made life convenient for us.
Affordable packs and sachets have made things affordable and accessible for the poor. The ban is also impractical as this has only made us replace one form of plastic with another, we are buying plastic garbage bags to dispose of garbage. We are yet to find a replacement for plastic and single use plastic is only serving the purpose of adding more plastic to the landfills which does not portent well for the environment. There needs to be a better thought our plan before this blanket ban is enforced.
Section – C
Literature (40 Marks)
Question 6.
Attempt ANY ONE of the given extracts. (5 x 1 = 5)
Suddenly she was startled by a voice. “Listen, child,” said the voice, “you shouldn’t stand like that Sit down.”
Sitting down, she looked to see who had spoken. It was an elderly man who had honestly been concerned for her, but she was annoyed by his attention.
“There’s nobody here who’s a child,” she said haughtily. “I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else.”
The conductor chimed in. “Oh, sir, but this is a very grown-up madam. Do you think a mere girl could pay her own fare and travel to the city all alone?”
Valli shot an angry glance at the conductor and said, “I am not a madam. Please remember that. And you’ve not yet given me my ticket.”
“I’ll remember,” the conductor said, mimicking her tone. Everyone laughed, and gradually Valli too joined in the laughter.
(A) How did Valli feel when the elder man expressed concern that she was standing?
Valli felt fairly ………………… [1]
Answer:
displeased
Explanation: Startled means to show sudden shock but Valli’s conversation with the elderly man and the conductor shows that she was annoyed by the way she was treated it the right answer.
(B) Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract:
(1) Valli was travelling without a guardian.
(2) The conductor was bullying Valli.
(3) Valli was nervous in her interactions.
(4) Valli was a child passenger.
(5) Valli followed the elderly man’s advice.
(6) Valli’s response to the elderly man was respectful.
(7) It took Valli some time to participate in the jocular conversations.
(a) (2), (3), (4)
(b) (5), (6), (7)
(c) (3). (5), (7)
(d) (2), (3), (6) [1]
Answer:
(d) (2), (3), (6)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is true as Valli had paid for the ticket herself.
Statement 2 is not true as the conductor joyfully corrected the elderly man.
Statement 3 is true as Valli confidently argued with the elderly man and the bus conductor.
Statement 4 is also true as we can see that the co-passengers were amused by her pretendence of being a grown up.
Statement 5 is also true as Valli sac at the seat offered by the elderly man.
Statement 6 is not true as she was annoyed by the old man’s address and haughtily talked to him.
Statement 7 is also true as in the last line of the paragraph author tells us that she also joined the laughter.
Hence statement 2, 3 and 6 are not true. Therefore (d) is the correct answer.
(C) Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) of the students below:
(1) I think the conductor shouldn’t have allowed Valli to board.
(2) I feel that Valli was being irresponsible
(3) Let’s not forget that Valli was a paying passenger like other.
Answer:
(3) Let’s not forget that Valli was a paying passenger like other.
(D) Oh, come on! She was just out for on adventure. Wasn’t she?
(a) F – 1, 2 and O – 3, 4
(b) F – 2, 3, 4 and O – 1
(c) F – 2, 4 and O – 1, 3
(d) F – 3 and O – 1, 2, 4 [1]
Answer:
(d) F-3 and O – 1, 2,4
Explanation: Student 3 here is stating a fact as we know that Valli paid for her ticket and statements by students 1, 2 and 4 are their own opinions as there is no evidence to support them. Hence the correct answer is (d).
(D) Which word does ‘chimed in’ NOT correspond to?
(a) Intervened
(b) Interrupted
(c) Intersected
(d) Interjected [1]
Answer:
(c) Intersected
Explanation: The conductor chimed in to stop the haughty conversation between Valli and the old passenger. Option (a), (b) and (d) all correspond to the meaning that is to stop or break some conversation. So the correct answer is (c) intersected which means to divide something.
(E) Choose the characteristic displayed by the conductor when he addressed Valli and declared that she couldn’t be ‘a mere girl’:
(a) encouragement
(b) indulgence
(c) embarrassment
(d) authority [1]
Answer:
(b) indulgence
Explanation: This statement by the
conductor shows his tolerance toward the haughty behaviour of a child hence indulgence (b) is the correct answer. He in no way wanted to encourage, embarrass Valli. Neither he intended to show his authority. So all other options are ruled out.
OR
The baker or bread-seLLer of those days had a peculiar dress known as the kabai. It was a single piece long frock reaching down to the knees. In our childhood we saw bakers wearing shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants. Even today, anyone who wears a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites the comment that he is dressed like a pader!
(A) Choose the answer that lists the correct option about the recording of the baker’s monthly accounts.
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4) [1]
Answer:
(c) Option (3)
Explanation: As the author recalls that the baker used to write his monthly accounts on a wall so option (c) i.e picture 3 which shows numbers written on a wall is the correct answer.
(B) When the writer says, ‘Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days.’, he means that. [1]
Answer:
Baking, as a job, isn’t as gainful as it used to be, as in the very beginning of the passage the author tells us that the eaters of the Portugese bread have reduced in numbers clearly indicating that baking as a profession is now no longer that flourishing.
(C) The statement that is TRUE about payment collection, according to the passage is:
(a) The baker received payment on a daily basis.
(b) The baker was paid for his services at the end of the month.
(c) The baker insisted that customers pay before the month-end.
(d) The baker chose to receive payment any day of the month. [1]
Answer:
(b) The baker was paid for his services at the end of the month.
Explanation: Author tells us that the baker used to record his monthly accounts on some wall and collect his bills at the end of the month so option (b) is the correct choice.
(D) The kabai was a ‘peculiar’ outfit as it was ………………. [1]
Answer:
a dress-like attire
Explanation: Author tells us that the kabai was a single piece long frock.
(E) The extract uses the phrase, ‘invites (the) comments’. Which of the following expressions is incorrect with respect to the word ‘invites’?
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
Answer:
(b) Option (2)
Explanation: Invites comment here means to prompt or invoke someone to make a comment. In this context one can always invite (1) trouble (3) guests (4) applications but we can never prompt prayers so (b) is the correct answer.
Question 7.
Attempt ANY ONE of the given extracts. (5 x 1 = 5)
But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
He hears the last voice at night,
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars
(A) The fact that the tiger is ‘stalking the length of his cage’ tells us that he is ………….. [1]
Answer:
restless
Explanation: The fact that the tiger ignores his visitors and continuously walks through the length and breadth of his cage shows that he is restless.
(B) What is the rhyme scheme of the given stanzas?
Answer:
abed; abeb
Explanation: Last word of every line in the first stanza does not rhyme with each other. So its scheme is abed. In the second stanza only the second and fourth lines have rhyming words so its scheme is abeb.
(C) These stanzas bring out the contrast between:
(a) zoos and cities
(b) strength and weakness
(c) freedom and captivity
(d) visitors and patrolling cars [1]
Answer:
(c) freedom and captivity
Explanation: These stanzas depict tigers feeling in captivity. He doesn’t know about the city life as he is closed in his cage so (a) is not the answer. The tiger’s strength is locked behind the bars. He in no way is weak so (b) also can’t be the answer. The tiger ignores his visitors and just hears the patrolling cars so (d) is also not the answer. All he thinks about is his free life. He is restless in captivity. So (c) is the correct answer.
(D) What is the caged tiger NOT likely to say to the visitors?
(a) “Stop staring”
(b) “Set me free”
(c) “Join me”
(d) “Go away” [1]
Answer:
(c) “Join me”.
Explanation: The caged tiger doesn’t like the staring people so he can say “stop staring” (a) and “go away” (d). As he doesnt like captivity so can say: “set me free” (b). So (c) is the only correct answer.
(E) The tiger’s ‘brilliant eyes’ reveal that he:
(a) hopes to be free and in the wild, someday
(b) is looked after well and is nourished and healthy
(c) enjoys staring at the bright stars each night
(d) is well-rested and hence, wide-awake [1]
Answer:
(a) hopes to be free and in the wild, someday.
Explanation: The captive tiger looks at the shining stars with his brilliant eyes with (a) hope that someday he would be free like them. So (a) is the correct answer.
OR
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’
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went
(A) The poet uses the ball as a symbol of the boy’s:
(a) sense of adventure
(b) carefree childhood days
(c) ability to bounce back
(d) extended family [1]
Answer:
(b) carefree childhood days.
Explanation: The boy stands rigid as he watches his ball go into the water so there is no adventure involved. The ball cannot bounce back in water and in no way the ball can refer to his extended family. The ball here is compared to his carefree childhood days (option b) as that time he could roam freely and do whatever he liked just as the ball rolls and bounces everywhere.
(B) The poet feels that there is no point consoling the boy as ………………. [1]
Answer:
whatever he has lost is irretrievable Explanation: The ball here has been compared to the child’s carefree days and the ball in water indicates the age when the child has grown up and now there is no way to bounce back. The boy misses those past days but whatever is gone past has gone.
(C) The word ‘harbour’ DOES NOT have a meaning similar to:
(a) port
(b) pier
(c) dock
(d) cargo [1]
Answer:
(d) cargo
Explanation: Harbour, Port, Pier and dock refer to some sort of place near the sea shore but cargo means the goods that are carried on a ship. So (d) is the answer.
(D) ‘Merrily over – there it is in the water!’ The dash here is meant to convey ……………… [1]
Answer:
a sense of unexpected interruption. Explanation: Whenever we play with a ball and suddenly see that it is going to a place from where we cannot get it back we stand there astonished we have to put brake on our play. Similarly when the boy realises that his life has entered a phase from where there is no returning back, he feels that all his merry times are over and his carefree life has been interrupted.
(E) The word that DOES NOT indicate a physical manifestation of sorrow in the boy, is:
(a) worthless
(b) shaking
(c) trembling
(d) rigid [1]
Answer:
(a) worthless
Explanation: Feelings (b), (c) & (d) are shown physically. Only the feeling of worthlessness cannot be expressed physically. Hence (a) is the correct answer.
Question 8.
Answer ANY FOUR questions in 40-50 words each. (4 x 3 = 12)
(A) Describe how Custard’s reaction was different from that of others, on seeing the pirate? [3]
(B) Who, according to Nelson Mandela, is a courageous man? [3]
(c) Anne writes that it was fortunate that Mr. Keesing took the joke the right way. Why does she feel so? [3]
(D) The use of symbolism in the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ conveys the poet’s message effectively. Expand with reference to the poem. [3]
(E) Justify the poet’s allusion to Rapunzel in ‘Amanda’. [3]
Answer:
(A) 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. The others ran away to save themselves.
(B) Mandela believes that a person who hasn’t experienced fear is not necessarily courageous. He firmly believed that a person who does not give in and is able to overcome all fears is truly courageous.
(C) When the previous attempts at making Anne write about talking did not work Mr. Keesing asked her to write an unusual essay on Quack, Quack, Quack,” said Mrs. Chatterbox. Anne wrote that, in the form of a verse, telling the story of a father swan who had bitten his ducklings for talking too much. Mr. Keesing took the joke the right way and stopped punishing her.
(D) Robert Frost’s employs symbolism where fire represents desire and ice hatred. Fire and ice being the two vices in which the speaker discusses could possibly lead to the end of our existence. The speaker is able to generalize that the world will end in either desire or hatred and still be accurate as desire and hatred are expansive emotions, with many acts committed under them can have devastating result
(E) The poet uses allusion to depict that Amanda knows of the trouble that came Rapunzel’s way because she let her hair down. She wishes to live alone without any disturbance and unlike Rapunzel she doesn’t want to escape. She feels just as Rapunzel was kept Licked her mother’s constant nagging also holds captive.
Question 9.
Answer ANY TWO questions in 40-50 words each. (2 x 3 = 6)
(A) Griffin’s brilliance as a man of science fades before his darker traits. Comment. [3]
(B) Why do you think Mr. Weiherer was pleased that Richard Ebright not only put in the nightly research hours towards butterflies, but also his other interests? [3]
(C) What madame Forestier exclaim in astonishment, when she saw Matilda, years after the Minister’s ball? [3]
Answer:
(A) Though a brilliant scientist, Griffin was a lawless person. He was disliked by most people, his quick temper did nothing to endear him to people. Instead of using science for the betterment of humanity he wanted to use it for his nefarious plan. He burnt down the landlord’s horse to seek revenge. His petty and mean conduct always stood out and overshadowed the brilliant scientist.
(B) Mr. Weiheree was pleased that Richard was able to balance his academics along with his hobbies. He was impressed with his commitment to work. He would spend hours researching for debates, along with his research on butterflies. He took pride in the fact that Richard was growing to be successful and a well-rounded personality.
(C) Matilda was a beautiful so when Madame Forestier met her years after the ball she was astonished to see the change in her appearance. Years of toil and struggle had changed her into a haggard woman who looked nothing like the charming and beautiful woman who had been the toast of the ball.
Question 10.
Answer ANY ONE the following in 100-120 words.
Not every air hostess is as kind as the one the author met. In the light of this statement, develop a conversation between Maxwell and another air hostess.
You may begin as:
Air hostess: Oh no. I can’t allow you to keep the pet open.
Maxwell: Please help me. This is my first time ………………….
Read the extracts given below and comment on the difference in the nature of help both the characters, of these two stories, received.
(A) Suddenly I came out of the clouds and saw two straight lines of lights in front of me. it was a runway! An airport! I was safe! I turned to look for my friend in the black aeroplane but the sky was empty. [The Black Aeroplane]
(B) All through the night Lencho thought only of his one hope: the help of God…The following Sunday, at daybreak he began to write a letter.Jt was nothing less than a letter to God…The following Sunday Lencho came a bit earlier than usual to ask if there was a letter for him„. Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money, such was his confidence.
[A Letter to God] [6]
Answer:
Air hostess : Oh no. I can’t allow you to keep the pet open.
Maxwell : Please help me. This is my first time carrying an otter as a pet in the flight
Air hostess : Sorry sir. I can’t help you in this. You are not allowed to keep an animal in the flight, except packed inside a box.
Maxwell : Try to understand miss. I promise it won’t create any mess here.
Air hostess : Sir please follow the flight rules.
OR
(A) Both the stories bring out the symbiotic relation between man and nature and how help can come in mysterious ways. When the narrator’s plane is caught in the storm and he is unable to see in the dark cloud. The black airplane appears miraculously to guide him to safety. The pilot guides him and helps him land safely. The narrator finds out later that there was no other plane. He is grateful for the h ‘Ip given by the mysterious stranger. He thinks that some mysterious force of nature guided him to safety and he feels indebted.
(B) Lencho a poor farmer receives help from unexpected quarters. When the fury of nature destroys his crops and he seeks help from God. The post-office employees under the guidance of the postmaster collect money in order to help Lencho. While the pilot is helped in landing safely, Lencho is provided material help in the form of seventy pesos.
Question 11.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words.
Hari Singh says- MHe knew it but neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything.”
Anil successfully addressed the situation by not addressing it at all. Elaborate based on your reading of The Thief’s Story.
OR
Read the following quote by an American author, E. E. Hale.
“I am only one but, I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I do.”
Bholi’s evolution from a ‘dumb cow’ to a ‘masterpiece’ supports the given quote. Justify. [6]
Answer:
Hari Singh was a petty thief who was provided shelter by Anil out of kindness. Hari Singh lied about being able to cook but Anil still kept him. He wanted to help Hari become a better person. He decided to teach Hari.
Hari, who stole the money and decided to leave, but returns when he realizes his mistake. He feels that he is cheating the only man who has been kind to him. He returns and puts the money back, even though Anil knows what has transpired he does not question Hari. Anil knew that reprimanding Hari was not the right way to resolve the problem. He felt imposing faith in Hari would do the trick. His silence transforms Hari who decides to study and work honestly and change his life.
OR
Bholi was considered a simpleton and people compared her to a dumb cow. Bholi could not speak till she was five, and when at last she learnt to speak, she stammered. Children made fun of her which had an adverse effect on her self-confidence.
She was sent to school late and as she lacked confidence she was hesitant to mingle with other children. Her teacher understood her need for love and gently guided her. Her teacher’s tender love and care gave Bholi the confidence to believe in herself. Linder her teacher’s gentle guidance Bholi blossomed into a confident young girl who believed in her own self-worth. She was able to stand up and raise her voice against the social evil of dowry and said no to the proposal of the greedy Bishambhar.