Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions Set 4 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Set 4 with Solutions
Time : 3 Hours
Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions:
- This Question paper contains THREE sections-READING, GRAMMAR and WRITING & LITERATURE.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section – A
Reading Skills (20 Marks)
Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages
Question 1.
Read the following text. (10)
1. The world is big but in a sense, it starts with me. Knowledge and awareness about myself have to precede my knowledge of things other than me. If I want the external environment to appreciate value. I need to do it by myself, first. In order to make the atmosphere around me green, I have to be green myself, in belief and action.
2. From dusk to dawn and dawn to dusk, our every activity leaves its footprint on the environment and ecology. It is a 24 × 7, eternal phenomenon. A laboured consciousness of having to go green in all possible areas is required in each one of us. It is, after all, our own self-interest and that of our descendants. The conscious application of change is going to become a habit and one’s culture in due course. Though we read and hear a lot of green initiatives, we hardly tweak our routines to suit the larger picture.
3. Greenery in the surroundings prevents dust and noise pollution. The way we water and manure plants also matters. Water is also a fast-depleting resource. Sprinklers are one example to use and conserve it. Compost from biowaste can be used as manure for plants which is cost-effective and eco-friendly. We can also contribute to the preservation of water bodies by not dumping our garbage in them. The use of public transport systems in the place of individual modes can reduce carbon footprint.
4. ‘Reuse’, ‘Recycle, ‘Re-engineer’ and ‘Renew’ are the mantras. Let us appreciate, support and contribute our might to the promotional efforts of the community in this direction. Remember, my ecology is also the community, society and nation that I care for which in turn cares for me. In other words, all these seemingly outward initiatives done for others are going to make my life more comfortable ultimately.
5. I have to be, therefore, concerned about what sort of environment I am responsible for, for my own sustenance, livelihood and progress. As long as my impact is positive, my presence will be welcome. If it is otherwise, I am going to be shunned. It is either ‘Embrace’ or ‘Embarrass’.
6. Green initiatives are anti-scorch Earth. Air, water and soil need to be conserved for the thriving of mankind in the future. The increasing onslaughts on the quality of air and soil need to be reversed. The indiscriminate exploitation of water – consumable water is only 0.3% of freshwater – needs to be stopped. The Earth ought not to shrink further, conf nue to breathe easy. Mother Earth looks for only love and cares from her childi m and nothing more in return for all the wealth she has so generously showered on us.
Answer the following question, based on the passage above.
(i) Why does the author say that one should be concerned about the environment? (1)
(a) For better sustenance
(b) For the betterment of culture
(c) For the betterment of self
(d) For future generations
Answer:
(a) For better sustenance
(ii) The writer is all for measures to be taken to save the planet Earth when he says,
“Air, water and soil need to be conserved for the thriving of mankind in the future.” (Paragraph 6) (2)
State 2 solutions he offers in the extract in about 40 words.
Answer:
Two solutions that the writer offers are :
(a) The increasing onslaughts on the quality of air and soil need to be reversed.
(b) The indiscriminate exploitation of water needs to be stopped.
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
We need to conserve water because ………….. .
Answer:
it is fast depleting resource
(iv) The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a) – (e) given below, identify two sets of antonyms. (1)
(a) Knowledge and awareness
(b) Reduce and increasing
(c) Belief and action
(d) Dusk and dawn
(e) Indiscriminate and change
Answer:
(b) Reduce and increasing
(d) Dusk and dawn
(v) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
The author says that the Earth ought not to shrink further and continue to breathe easy because ……………. .
Answer:
Mother Earth looks for only love and care from her children and asks for nothing more in return for all that she offers
(vi) Supply one point to justify the following in about 40 words. (2)
I need to do it by myself, first. In order to make the atmosphere around me green, I have to be green myself, in belief and action.
Answer:
The entire day, our every activity leaves its footprint on the environment and ecology. Therefore, it is our responsibility to awaken our consciousness and go green in all possible areas, It is, after all, our own self-interest and that of our descendants.
(vii) Why does the writer says “The use of public transport systems in the place of individual modes …….. ” ? (1)
(a) to enhance air quality
(b) to reduce carbon footprint
(c) to manage ecosystem
(d) All of these
Answer:
(b) to reduce carbon footprint
(viii) Based on your reading of the text, list any 2 preventive measures for the author’s statement “Water is also a fast-depleting resource,” in Paragraph 3. (1)
Answer:
Two preventive measures for the given statement are
(a) Use of sprinklers to preserve water.
(b) Not dumping garbage in waterbodies.
Question 2.
Read the following text. (10)
1. India is home to an estimated 10% of the global Snow Leopard population spread across five Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh which is only 5% of the available global habitat for the animal.
2. Project Snow Leopard was introduced in India by the Project Snow Leopard Committee instituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, in the year 2009 to safeguard and conserve India’s unique natural heritage of high-altitude wildlife populations and their habitats by promoting conservation through participatory policies and actions.
3. Project Tiger and Project Elephant are prevalent in India with the former introduced in 1973 garnering worldwide attention.
4. The Snow Leopard usually occurs at an altitude of >2700m above sea level and is the apex predator in the Himalayan Region along with the Tibetan Wolf. The project is not only to protect the Snow Leopard but as with Project Tiger, it is considered an umbrella species and with its protection, comes the protection of other species and the habitat of which they are all a part.
5. Top 3 National Parks in India where the Snow Leopard can likely be seen
(i) Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary – Himachal Pradesh
(ii) Ulley Valley – Ladakh
(iii) Hemis National Park – Himachal Pradesh
6. The reasons for the introduction of Project Snow Leopard are as follows.
(i) High altitudes of India > 3000m including the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan biogeographic zones support a unique wildlife assemblage of global conservation.
(ii) There has been relatively less attention on the region from the viewpoint of wildlife conservation.
(iii) The region represents a vast rangeland system supporting important traditional pastoral economies and lifestyles.
(iv) The region provides essential ecosystem services and harbours river systems vital for the nation’s food security.
(v) India has ratified international agreements promoting the conservation of high-altitude wildlife species such as the snow leopard.
(vi) The region is important for the country’s national security as well as international relations.
(vii) The high-altitude wildlife in India today faces a variety of threats.
(viii) The existing high-altitude protected areas in India require considerable strengthening.
(ix) Wildlife Management in the region needs to be made participatory.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(i) Complete the following sentence appropriately. (1)
Project Snow Leopard was introduced in India to ………….. .
Answer:
safeguard and conserve India’s unique natural heritage of high-altitude wildlife population and their habitats by promoting conservation through participatory policies and actions
(ii) Select the appropriate option to fill in the blanks from Paragraph 4. (1)
The ……………. and the …………… which usually occur at an altitude of > 2700m, are the apex predators in the Himalayan Region.
Answer:
snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf
(iii) What do you understand by the word ‘ratified’ in point number (vi) in paragraph 6? Why do you think India has ‘ratified’ the international agreements? (40 words) (2)
Answer:
The word ‘ratified’ means (especially of governments or organisations) to make an agreement official. India has ratified the international agreements to protect the snow Leopard as it is an endangered species.
(iv) Infer the meaning of the phrase ‘snow leopard is considered an umbrella species’
from the passage. (1)
Answer:
‘Umbrella’ species refers to such species whose protection will ensure the protection of other species.
(v) In which states/UTs of India can the Snow Leopards be found? (1)
Answer:
Snow Leopards can be found in four Himalayan states – Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh – and the union territory Jammu and Kashmir.
(vi) Select the correct option to complete the following sentence. (1)
The reason for the introduction of Project Snow Leopard in high altitudes is that ……………. .
(a) the region has a cold climate
(b) the region offers a very less chance of survival for other animals
(c) the region provides essential ecosystem services and harbours river systems for the nation’s food security
(d) snow Leopard survive better in such climates
Answer:
(c) the region provides essential ecosystem services and harbours river systems vital for the nation’s food security
(vii) List any two reasons for the introduction of Project Snow Leopard in high altitudes in 40 about words. (2)
Answer:
Two reasons for the introduction of Project snow Leopard in high altitudes are
(a) High altitudes of India > 3000m including the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan biogeographic zones support a unique wildlife assemblage of global conservation.
(b) There has been relatively less attention on the region from the viewpoint of wildlife conservation.
(viii) Which of the following is an appropriate title for paragraph 2?
(a) Preserving India’s wild
(b) Project Tiger
(c) Man in the Wild
(d) Project Snow Leopard
Answer:
(a) Preserving India’s wild
Section – B
Writing Skills and Grammar (20 Marks)
Grammar (10 Marks)
Question 3.
Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed.
(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of the letter. (1)
Subject : Complaint against misbehaviour.
Dear Sir,
This is to respectfully submit that I ………….. (write) this letter with extreme pain and disgust against the misbehaviour of the government officials in the office.
Answer:
am writing
(ii) Read the given sentence from a health article. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence. (1)
You should get skin disease if you don’t bathe every day.
Use the given format for your response.
Error | Correction |
Answer:
Error | Correction |
Should | Can |
(iii) Shreya wanted some information from Sneha about the location of the post office.
Report Shreya’s question. (1)
Shreya said, “Do you know where the nearest post office is?”
Answer:
Shreya asked Sneha if she knew where the nearest post office was.
(iv) Read the dialogue between Divya and Arti, regarding buying a car. (1)
Divya : I am planning to buy a car.
Arti: Which car do you intend to buy?
Divya : I intend to buy the latest model of any popular company.
Select the correct option to complete the narration.
Divya told Arti that ………………. Then Arti asked her which car she intended to buy.
Divya said that she intended to buy the latest model of any popular company.
(a) she was planning to buy a new car
(b) she plans to buy a new car
(c) she will buy a new car
(d) she will be buying a new car
Answer:
(a) she was planning to buy a new car
(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence. (1)
Do you want ………………… (a/an/the) extension to finish ………………. (a/an/the) major project?
Answer:
an, the
(vi) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction. (1)
After using the computer for a long time, looking into a distance for about five minutes relaxed the eyes.
Use the given format for your response.
Error | Correction |
Answer:
Error | Correction |
relaxed | relaxes |
(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line.
Today, the number of people who enjoys winter sports is bigger than that of twenty years ago. (1)
Option No. | Error | Correction |
a | the | a |
b | people | the people |
c | enjoys | enjoy |
d | is | are |
Answer:
Option No. | Error | Correction |
c | enjoys | enjoy |
(viii) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete an online update, (1)
The constellation they ……………… to observe is clearly visible from here.
(a) were going
(b) are going
(c) was going
(d) is going
Answer:
(b) are going
(ix) Report the dialogue between Neha and Namita by completing the sentence. (1)
Neha : I’m really looking forward to the class picnic tomorrow.
Namita : Yes, after a long time we will be meeting our friends and teachers.
Neha told Namita that she was really, looking forward to the class picnic the following day. Namita agreed that after a long time ……………… .
Answer:
they would be meeting their friends and teachers
(x) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option. ……………. Frank in Toronto? (1)
(a) Did you meet
(b) Have you met
(c) Were you meeting
(d) Will you met
Answer:
(a) Did you meet
(xi) Complete the line from a poem by filling the blank with the correct option. (1)
Now is the time to love, and, better still,
To serve our loved ones, over passing ill
To rise triumphant; thus the perfect flower
Of life to …………….. fruitage
(a) come
(b) shall come
(c) came
(d) had came
Answer:
(b) shall come
(xii) Identify the error in an online advertisement. (1)
Hindol Classes
New Delhi
If the music is in your passion, we are the right choice for you.
Use the given format for your response.
Error | Correction |
Answer:
Error | Correction |
the | No article |
Writing (10 Marks)
Note : All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.
Question 4.
A. You are Rachana/Raghav a resident of 15 MG Road, Agra. You happened to see the following news item in a newspaper. Write a letter to the editor of The Times of India, New Delhi expressing your views on the matter. (5)
New Delhi : The Supreme court has passed an order that it is the responsibility of every citizen to look after their aged parents. If they fail, they will have no right to inheritance.
Or
B. You are Raman/Ramya Singh, computer-in-charge of Rose Mary Convent. Your school wishes to buy 20 computers and computer accessories from HPC Computers, New Delhi. Draft a letter placing the order giving all the specifications of the product and its quality.
Answer:
A.
15, MG Road
Agra
21st September, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject : Matters pertaining to aged parents and inheritance
Sir/Ma’am
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of one and all to the decision taken by the Supreme Court concerning elderly parents and inheritance.
Recently, I came across an order passed by the Supreme Court which stated that it was the right of , the aged parents to be taken care of by their children.
According to the law, if children do not take care of their aged parents then they will have no right over any inheritance of their parental property. Such a law deserves a lot of applaud given the rising cases of elderly desertion. Children today take their share of property and then desert their parents on the streets or the old age homes where they have to fend for themselves. If the elderly are kept at home, they are given more responsibilities, are isolated and even ridiculed.
In a nation where the elderly were revered as storehouse of knowledge and wisdom, it is high time the such a law was passed to help the elderly. I hope that with this law children will understand that parents are not money minting machines.
Thanking you
Yours Sincerely
Rachna
Or
B.
Rose Mary Convent
Shalimar Bagh
New Delhi 110056
20th January, 20XX
The Proprietor
HPC Computers
126, Nehru Place
New Delhi 110045
Subject : Placement of order for computers and accessories
Sir/Ma’am
This is with reference to your email advertisement received by our team. Our school wishes to make a purchase from your organisation. The details of the same are given below
S. No. | Product | Brand | Quantity |
1. | PC | HP | 40 |
2. | Wireless Mouse | HP/Dell | 20 |
3. | Wireless Keyboard | HP/Dell | 20 |
4. | Laptops | Dell | 10 |
5. | Projector Systems | Intex | 10 |
As stated in the advertisement, bulk orders are eligible for a discount. Since we are one of your oldest customers, we expect an additional discount as well. Further, we would expect delivery within 15 days after the issue of this letter. If found damaged then the entire order would be cancelled. In addition, it would be helpful if you could specify the means of payment.
Waiting for your earliest response.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Raman/Ramya Singh
(Head of Computer-in-Charge)
Question 5.
A. The following flow chart was has been taken from a literary magazine. (5)
Write a paragraph in about 120 words analysing the process of writing a story.
Or
B. Read the points below from a feedback section of a government website regarding problems faced by physically disabled people.
• Absence of ramps for wheelchairs
• Unclean toilets
• Unsuitable visiting timings. Tourist guides untrained in sign language
• Lack of braille-script tourist pamphlets
• Lack of empathy from fellow visitors and officials
Write a paragraph in about 120 words demarcating the problems they face at tourist places and include some suggestions a well.
Answer:
A. The given flow-chart provides information on the chronological method of writing a great story. It can be seen that the process requires seven stages, beginning with assuming the ideas and the background of the topic of the story. Further, it can be observed that the first stage of writing leads to choosing one specific topic. What follows, is that the writer needs to search an excellent character and they should focus on that character. The writer needs to be precise about what they want to share in the story, but they are not required to share that information. Step four requires the writer to involve the most significant human senses in their story. In the next step, the use of literary devices is suggested including figures of speech, to be used in a careful manner. Proper treatment of adjectives and adverbs is required in the next step. The last step is the final product of the writer’s thoughts and creativity – the story.
Or
B. Physically disabled people are as much part of our society as any other individual. Often they are shunned by us and treated as someone from the other world. The stigma around their disability is so extreme that often we do not find public places, restaurants, vehicles, etc. in accordance with their needs. How often do we see a ramp in a tourist place or a braille guided pamphlet when we visit a famous heritage site? Often these places are inequipped with sign language expert guides to assist the disabled.
To add to it, the timings are often not suitable to a disabled person’s needs. Moreover, the people surrounding them in tourist places shun them away and lack enough empathy to help them. This creates a wide gap between us and the disabled. It is our responsibility and not merely of the government to take take care of the people whose functional aspects of the body are not as coherent as ours. With the government taking more initiatives and making more disabled friendly sites in the future, it is indeed our responsibility too to make sure we help them in whatever way fits best.
Section – C
Literature Textbook and Supplementary Reading Text (40Malks)
Question 6.
Read the given extracts and answer the question for ANY ONE of two, extracts given. (5)
A. Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read. Following him down the musty corridor of the gloomy French hotel where Ausable had a room, Fowler felt let down. It was a small room, on the sixth and top floor, and scarcely a setting for a romantic adventure. Ausable was, for one thing, fat. Very fat. And then there was his accent. Though he spoke French and German passably, he had never altogether lost the American accent he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years ago. “You are disappointed,” Ausable said wheezily over his shoulder. (The Midnight Visitor)
(i) State True or False. (1)
None of the terms (a) – (d) can be applied to the statement – Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read.
(a) A hypothesis – a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
(b) An assumption – something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true
(c) A hyperbole – exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
(d) A premise – a proposition that forms the basis of an argument
Answer:
True
(ii) State any one reference about a secret agent from the given extract. (1)
Answer:
It can be inferred from the extract that a secret agent is expected to be fit and save.
(iii) Where was Ausable’s room? (1)
Answer:
Ausable’s room was on the sixth and top floor of the hotel.
(iv) Why was Fowler disappointed by Ausable when he met him? Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
Fowler was disappointed by Ausable when he met him because didn’t have the personality of a spy.
Or
B. But for Valli, standing at the front door was every bit as enjoyable as any of the elaborate games other children played. Watching the street gave her many new unusual experiences.
The most fascinating thing of all was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. It passed through her street each hour, once going to the town and once coming back. The sight of the bus, filled each time with a new set of passengers, was a source of unending joy for Valli. (Madam Rides the Bus)
(i) What was the most interesting thing for Valli? (1)
(a) The children playing elaborate games.
(b) Watching the street.
(c) The bus that travelled through her village.
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(c) The bus that travelled through her village.
(ii) Read the following descriptions (a) – (c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract. (1)
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic, usually with two or more people presenting different viewpoints and arguments.
(b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a character alone on stage, which reveals their innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience.
(c) A narrative a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious.
Answer:
(c) A narrative a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious.
(iii) How did Valli feel while standing at the doorway? For what specific reason did Valli stand at the doorway? Answer in about 40 words. (2)
Answer:
Watching the street gave Valli many new and strange experiences. She felt joyous standing at the doorway. She would especially wait for the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. It was a source of immense joy for her.
(iv)How was Valli different from children of her age? (1)
Answer:
Valli was different from children of her age as she was not interested in playing any elaborate games.
Question 7.
Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of two, given. (5)
A.
“Ink trickled down to the bottom of the
household and little mouse Blink
strategically mouseholed. But up jumped
Custard, snorting like an engine, Clashed
his tail like irons in a dungeon, With a clatter
and a clank and a jangling squirm, He went
at the pirate like a robin at a worm.”
(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
It is clear that the figure of speech used in With a latter and a clank and a jangling Squirm’ is Onomatopoeia because ………………. .
Answer:
all three words (clutter, clank and tangling) are examples of onomatopoeia, a figure of speech that portrays the sound made by certain actions or objects.
(ii) What is the poet’s purpose in using the onomatopoeic words given in the extract? (1)
(a) To emphasise the boldness of Custard
(b) To introduce the character
(c) To impress upon the readers
(d) To make Custard bold enough
Answer:
(a) To emphasise the boldness of Custard
(iii) The extract mentions ‘irons’ in dungeons. (1)
According to this extract, what does ‘irons’ refer to?
Answer:
In the given extract, the word ‘irons’ refers to iron chains holding the prisoners captive.
(iv) ‘He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm. Why has this comparison been used
here? Answer in 40 words. (2)
Answer:
The poet has made the comparison in order to show that Custard was very careful while he planned to attack the pirate. He walked as slow as a warm so that the pirate word not suspect anything.
Or
B.
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass. (A Tiger in the Zoo)
(i) Why is the tiger in a’quiet rage’? (1)
Answer:
The tiger is in a ‘quiet rage’ because his freedom has been curtailed.
(ii) The meaning of the line ‘in his quiet rage’ is ……………… . (1)
(a) The tiger is hungry
(b) The tiger is sleepy
(c) The tiger is unhappy and controlling his anger
(d) The tiger is lazy
Answer:
(c) The tiger is unhappy and controlling his anger
(iii) How does the tiger show his presence? (1)
Answer:
The tiger shows his presence by baring teeth and claws, and by growling.
(iv) Why does a tiger express his rage quietly ? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer:
The tiger expresses his rage quietly because there is nothing he can do from behind the bars of his cage. He is helpless as his strength now lies inside the cage. He is no longer free as he was in the jungle.
Question 8.
Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40 – 50 words. (4 x 3 = 12)
(i) Write the message that the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ gives. (3)
Answer:
The message that the poet is trying to give is that nothing in this world is eternal. The poet first concludes that the world must end in fire because of his personal experience with desire and passion, the emotions represented by fire.
But at the same time, ice or hatred can also bring total destruction of this world. We should thus, not forget this supreme reality and keep ourselves above all selfish matters.
(ii) ‘All knowledge is useful. But not all knowledge is worth the cost.” Elaborate on the quote in the context of the poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’. (3)
Answer:
It is true that all knowledge is useful. But not all knowledge is worth the cost. This is specially seen in the poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ wherein the poets suggests some fatal ways for identifying wild animals. While the knowledge gained is good, it is the method of gaining the knowledge that is not worth the cost. One would not want to risk one’s life for the knowledge.
(iii) Did the letter reach God? Why did the postmaster send a reply to Lencho? (3)
Refer to the given lines from the text –
“What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter. Starting up a correspondence with God!” (A Letter to God)
Answer:
The letter did not reach God in reality. It was the postmaster who took on the duty of God and collected as much money as he could to send to Lencho. The postmaster replied to Lencho because he realised the firm belief and faith of Lencho in God. He did not want Lencho’s faith in God to be broken and hence, wrote a letter from God to Lencho.
(iv) Why was the site called “a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations”?
(Nelson Mandela- Long Walk to Freedom) (3)
Answer:
The site was full of leaders and dignitaries from all around the world. These leaders, irrespective of their colour, race and religion had gathered to celebrate the victory over the apartheid regime and to support the cause of peace, justice and human dignity. Hence, the site was called a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.
(v) ‘This is a tea country now’. Explain this with reference to Assam.
(Tea from Assam- Glimpses of India) (3)
Answer:
Assam is known as ‘tea country’. It has the world’s largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. A large number of tea gardens can be found there. Everywhere in Assam, a sea of tea bushes can be seen as far as the eye could see. Most of the tea grown in Assam is supplied all over the world.
Question 9.
Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions. in about 40 – 50 words. (2 × 3 = 6)
(i) Mention any two points of differences between Earthlings and Martians in the 20th century. (The Book that Saved the Earth) (3)
Answer:
Earthlings and Martians were different in the 20th century. Earthlings produced books and had a library while the Martians did not have anything as such. Further, their languages were also different. We know this because the Martians had to take a pill to understand the language of the Earthlings.
(ii) Why did Matilda leave the ball in a hurry? What does it show about her character? (The Necklace) (3)
Answer:
Matilda left the ball in a hurry because she did not want to be seen with the ordinary wrap that she carried. She believed that the poor looks of her wrap contrasted with the elegance of the other ladies, who were wrapping themselves in rich furs.
This shows that she only wanted to keep up the appearance just to flatter her pride without being in touch with the real truth of her life.
(iii) Where was the safe at Shotover Grange? What was there inside it? What did Horace expect to get if he sold them one by one? (A Question of Trust) (3)
Answer:
The safe at Shotover Grange was kept in the drawing room behind a poor painting.
The safe had jewels worth about 15000 pounds kept in it. Because of his careful planning, Horace Danby was sure that his robbery at Shotover Grange would be a successful one. Horace expected to get at least 5000 pounds if he sold the jewels one by one.
Question 10.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100 – 120 words, (1 × 6 = 6)
A. The narrator developed a special bond with Mijbil and both became good companions. In the light of the given statement, describe the relationship between the Otter, Mijbil and Maxwell, the narrator. (Mijbil the Otter)
Or
B. You have been chosen to write a blog on the importance of proper upbringing. Prepare the blog with reference to the poem Amanda’ by Robert Klein in not more than 100-120 words.
Answer:
A. The story ‘Mijbil, the Otter’ describes an age old relationship that exist between man and an animal. In the story, the narrator, Maxwell gets an otter named Mijbil as a pet. Initially, Mijbil did not show any interest in his surrounding, but slowly he started playing in it. He developed a unique and lovely relation with the narrator. The narrator took very good care of his pet. He made sure to keep his pet entertained and bought him many toys including marbles, rubber balls, fruits etc. He even made sure to take Mijbil to play in water after realising his pet’s fascination with water.
Maxwell was keen observant of his pet’s habits and traits. He encouraged Mijbil to do what he liked and also took him for a walk every day. He was worried when he had to pack his pet in a box and was even more worried when he saw Mijbil covered in blood. Mijbil was happy with his owner.
He would follow the narrator when he was called. Even when he was scared in the box and the aircraft, he found contentment with the narrator. All this shows that both of them understood and loved each other.
Or
B. Importance of proper Upbringing
Upbringing plays an essential role in personality development of a child. Whenever we wish to admire or criticise someone, we talk about the upbringing of that person. Robin Klein’s poem ‘Amanda’ highlights the problems of ‘proper’ upbringing of a child. To instil good values and moral principles in a growing child is the foremost duty of the parents. However, the poem shows how a child feels upset because of constant instructions.
Amanda, the little girl in the poem, goes through such a situation. She is instructed and scolded for her habits. She gets no freedom and space for herself. As a result, she enters her world of imagination. This world proves to be her defence against her scolding mother. In her world, she seeks freedom and peace. She imagines herself as a mermaid who is the sole resident of a beautiful sea.
Then, she imagines herself as an orphan who is free to do anything. Finally, she wants to be Rapunzel and live a peaceful life in a tower. Therefore, elders/parents must maintain a balance.
While instilling good manners, they should also give some freedom to their children.
Question 11.
Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. (1 × 6 = 6)
A. A calm mind can help you tackle the direst stress. Elaborate with reference to ‘ The Midnight Visitor” .
Or
B. You have just read The Invisible Man’ in your class. Write a diary entry in about 100-200 words describing how you felt after reading it.
Answer:
A. Certainly, a calm mind can help us tackle the direst stress. When we face difficult situations, we are always told to stay calm, cool and focused. If we panic, it hampers our thinking ability and we are unable to take proper decisions. Our minds don’t work properly and we lose hope.
In the story The Midnight Visitor’, Ausable, the secret agent remains calm. This calmness and composure saves not only himself and Fowler but also the important papers. It also enables him to create two imaginary stories that lead him to outwit (deceive) Max. If he had panicked and done something fishy (disputable), then Max would have probably killed him and his guest Fowler.
But, Ausable kept his mind cool and deceived Max into believing his story. Consequently, Max fell to his death.
Just like Ausable, we also need to calm our nerves and cool our mind in times of difficulty. If we keep our mind cool and focused, we can find ways to get out of a dangerous situation.
Or
B.
Wednesday, 20th Nov, 20XX
08:45 PM
Dear diary,
I have just read a story in my class today about an unusual scientist named Griffin. On one hand be was a brilliant scientist and discovered that the human body could become invisible and transparent. On the other hand, he was a lawless person and misused his invisibility for his personal gains.
He committed thefts and beat innocent persons for his own benefits.
His great discovery could have made him popular and respectable and earned him name and fame. However, due to his evil bent of mind he became a disaster for himself as well as the society. In the end his great discovery was reduced to nothing and brought him disrepute and dishonour. I felt really bad after reading this. Science should be used for the betterment of society but here it was just used for destructive purpose.
I hope that scientist should be more aware about how they act and use their inventions.
Shrinath