Practicing the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English with Solutions Set 4 allows you to get rid of exam fear and be confident to appear for the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 10 English Set 4 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 sections-READING, GRAMMAR & WRITING and LITERATURE.
- Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section – A
Reading (20 Marks)
I. Read the passage given below.
1. An ecosystem is a community of organisms that live and interact within a particular environment. In an aquatic ecosystem, that environment is water and all the system’s plants and animals live either in or on that water. The specific setting and type of water, such as a freshwater lake or saltwater marsh, determines which animals and plants live there. Marine, or ocean systems cover about 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface and are identified by the presence of dissolved salts in the water.
The level of salinity averages about 35 parts per thousand gm of water, but it can vary in response to climate or a nearby source of freshwater. Marine organisms must adapt to either a constantly changing or stable level of salt content and cannot move successfully from one to the other. Saltwater ecosystems range from the abundant life of coastal areas to the nearly barren ocean bottom.
In marine habitats, the food chain begins with plankton, micro-organisms that require sunlight for energy and growth, so systems closest to the surface or in relatively shallow water support more life. These include estuaries, salt marshes, coral reefs and other tropical habitats, and intertidal areas such as lagoons and kelp beds.
2. Animal life in marine ecosystems ranges from microscopic zooplankton, fish of all sizes, to marine mammals, including seals, whales and manatees. Freshwater-water that is either drinkable or has little or no salt content-supports its own aquatic ecosystems. These include rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, wetlands and even groundwater. Each of these systems is unique and even within categories, any specific habitat is affected by altitude/ temperature and humidity.
For instance, a plant native to a warm shallow lake in the tropics could not survive on the steep banks of a cold, fast-moving mountain stream. Freshwater ecosystems provide homes for a wide variety of animal life including insects, amphibians and fish.
One estimate of fish species puts the number that lives in freshwater as 40 per cent of the Earth’s total. Worms, molluscs, algae and bacteria all live in freshwater systems, as do innumerable varieties of plants. In addition, animals such as birds, otters and bears use freshwater ecosystems as a food source. (Source: sciencing.com)
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:
(i) 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface:
A. is covered in oceans
B. are marine bodies only
C. is solid landmass
D. form the entire aquatic system
Answer:
A. is covered in oceans
(ii) Select the option that best captures the central idea of the passage from the given quotes.
1. There is a deep interconnectedness of all life on earth, from the tiniest organisms, to the largest ecosystems, and absolutely between each person.” – Bryant McGill
2. “Where there is a smoke, there is an ecologist.” – Ljupka Cvetanova
3. “When we reconnect with nature, we will be restore ourselves.” – Lailah Gifty Akita
4. “We can only predict the future ecological changes, by emergence of the past into the present.” – Lailah Gifty Akita
A. Option 1
B. Option 2
C. Option 3
D. Option 4
Answer:
A. Option 1
(iii) Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below:
Saltwater ecosystems range from the abundant life of coastal area to the nearly barren ocean bottom.
A. In the season of spring, plenty of flowers grow while in the season of autumn, the leaves wither and fall making it a barren season for the growth of plant.
B. The distinct is the most barren and backward portion of the province.
C. The room was austere, nearly barren of furniture and decoration.
D. This zone has an abundant rainfall, dense forests and a fertile soil.
Answer:
A. In the season of spring, plenty of flowers grow while in the season of autumn, the leaves wither and fall making it a barren season for the growth of plant.
(iv) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1:
| Opinion | Reason |
| An ecosystem that lives and interacts within a particular environment. |
Answer:
Community of organism
(v) The writer uses two contrasting words in the line:
Marine organisms must adopt to either a constantly changing or stable level of salt content. (Paragraph 1) State one point of difference between constantly changing and stable.
Answer:
Stability means unlikely to change whereas constantly changing implies a regular change.
(vi) Based on your reading of the text, list 2 reasons why the writer says that:
Shallow water relatively support more acquatic life.
1. __________
2. __________
Answer:
1. In marine habitat, the food chain begins with plankton, micro-organisms that require more, sunlight for growth.
2. They mostly survive on system closest to the surface.
(vii) The writer says, “Freshwater supports its own aquatic ecosystems”.
Select the reason that appropriately justifies the statement.
A. Freshwater has little or no salt content.
B. Freshwater provides oxygen to support the growth of aquatic ecosystem.
C. It help to prevent erosion.
D. It provides natural protection from flooding.
Answer:
A. Freshwater has little or no salt content.
(viii) Micro-organisms in the saltwater ecosystem grow in shallow water or near the surface because:
A. the content of salt is low
B. they get sunlight to grow
C. they cannot breathe in deep water
D. Both A and B
Answer:
D. Both A and B
(ix) Supply 1 point to justify the following:
Micro-organisms in the saltwater ecosystem grow in shallow water or near the surface.
Answer:
Micro-organisms that survive in saltwater ecosystem are often found in shallow water or at the surface because they require sunlight to grow and get energy.
(x) Choose the option that correctly states the two aspects related to Marine organisms.
1. Saltwater ecosystems range from the abundant life of coastal areas to the nearly barren ocean bottom.
2. Marine organisms must adapt to either a constantly changing or stable level of salt content and cannot move successfully from one to the other.
3. Each of these systems is unique and even within categories, any specific habitat is affected by altitude/ temperature and humidity.
4. The level of salinity averages about 35 parts per thousand gm of water, but it can vary in response to climate or a nearby source of freshwater.
5. Animal life in marine ecosystems ranges from microscopic zooplankton through fish of all sizes to marine mammals, including seals, whales and manatees.
6. These include estuaries, salt marshes, coral reefs and other tropical habitats, and intertidal areas such as lagoons and kelp beds.
A. 1 and 4
B. 2 and 3
C. 2 and 5
D. 3 and 5
Answer:
C. 2 and 5
II. Read the passage given below.
1. Demonetisation refers to an economic policy where a certain currency unit ceases to be used as a legal tender. It occurs whenever there is a change in the national currency. The existing form or forms of money is pulled from circulation and retired, to be replaced with new notes or coins. Sometimes, a country completely replaces the old currency with new currency.
2. On 8 November, 2016, the Indian government decided to demonetise the 500 and 1000 rupee notes, the two biggest denominations in its currency system. These notes accounted for 86% of the country’s circulating cash. With little warning, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to the citizens that these notes would be rendered immediately ineffective with immediate effect. People were given time till the end of the year to deposit or exchange them for newly introduced 2000 rupee and 500 rupee notes.
3. The government’s goal was to combat India’s thriving underground economy on several fronts: eradicate counterfeit currency, fight tax evasion (only 1% of the population pays taxes), eliminate black money accumulated from money laundering and terrorist-financing activities, and to promote a cashless economy.
Individuals and entities with huge sums of black money acquired from parallel cash systems were forced to take their large denomination notes to a bank, and account for them satisfactorily and submit proof if tax paid. If the owner could not provide proof of making any tax payments on the cash, a penalty of 200% on the tax due was imposed.
4. Demonetisation had a severe impact on the gold market. The extraordinary demand for the yellow metal, made a stiff hike in the cost. However, the Government made it mandatory that every buyer had to submit his/her PAN card details for purchases made. Erring jewellers were brought to book.
5. Many Indians switched to alternative payment methods. The biggest gainers were mobile wallet companies that offered easy transactions through a large network of partners. Alibaba-backed Paytm saw a sevenfold increase in overall traffic. Prepaid cash cards were another option that the customers found useful. Other alternatives were mobile payment systems linked to e-commerce businesses like Ola Money, FreeCharge, Flipkart Wallet. (Source: The true picture)
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:
(i) Infer one reason for demonetisation.
Answer:
One of the reasons for demonetisation is the change in the national currency.
(ii) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the objectives of demonetisation.
1. In demonetisation, the existing form of money is pulled from circulation to be replaced with new notes.
2. Demonetisation had a severe impact on the gold market.
3. Demonetisation eliminates black marketing.
4. Demonetisation eradicates money laundering.
5. Demonetisation helps to retain a cashless economy.
6. Demonetisation helps in increasing the revenue of a country.
Answer:
A. 1 and 5
B. 5 and 6
C. 2 and 4
D. 3 and 5
Answer:
A. 1 and 5
(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word from Paragraph 4.
Awful: Dreadful:: __________ : Serious
Answer:
Severe
(iv) Choose the option that lists the correct answers for the following:
1. An economic policy where a certain currency unit ceases to be used as a legal tender. It occurs whenever there is a change in the national currency. Name the policy.
2. To eradicate counterfeit currency, fight tax evasion (only 1% of the population pays taxes), eliminate black money accumulated from money laundering and terrorist financing activities, and promote a cashless economy. Whose goal was this?
A. (1) is black marketing and (2) is the President’s goal
B. (1) is demonetisation and (2) is the Government’s goal
C. (1) is money exchange (2) is the Finance Minister’s goal
D. (1) is money laundering and (2) is the Chief Minister’s goal
Answer:
D. (1) is demonetisation and (2) is the Government’s goal
(v) Select the chart that appropriately represents the growth in volume of rupees in 3 financial years (2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18):
Answer:
(vi) Government’s goal was to eradicate __________.
A. counterfeit currency
B. black money
C. Both A and B
D. None of these
Answer:
C. Both A and B
(vii) Substitute the word ‘combat’ with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from Paragraph 3. The government’s goal was to combat Indians thriving underground economy.
Answer:
Resist
(viii) List any two points on which the Indian Government thrive to combat underground economy.
Answer:
(a) To eradicate counterfeit currency.
(b) To fight tax evasion.
(ix) List one reason why the government decided to demonetise the 500 and 1000 rupee notes and not any other.
Answer:
500 and 1000 rupees notes accounted for 86% of the country’s circulating cash, hence by doing so, the government would be able to demonetise the two biggest denominations in its currency system.
(x) Select the option that titles paragraphs 3-4 appropriately, with reference to the information in the text.
A. 1. Demonetise 500 and 1000 rupee notes
2. Newly-introduced 2000 rupee note.
3. Severe impact on the gold market
B. 1. Severe impact on the gold market
2. Combat underground economy
3. Eliminate black money
C. 1. Alternative payment methods
2. Newly introduced 2000 rupee
3. Ola money
D. 1. Flipkart wallet
2. Severe impact on the gold market
3. Free charge
Answer:
B. 1. Severe impact on the gold market
2. Combat underground economy
3. Eliminate black money
Section – B
Grammar (10 Marks)
III. Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions.
(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the magazine article.
The thief and the eye-witness __________.
A. has escaped
B. has been escaping
C. was escaping
D. have escaped
Answer:
D. have escaped
(ii) Rohit: I’m really looking forward to the class picnic tomorrow.
Amal: Yes, after a long time we will be meeting all our friends and teachers.
When Rohit said that he was looking forward to their class picnic, Amal affirmed that __________
Answer:
they would be meeting after a long time with all their friends and teachers.
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line to complete an online update.
During the college days, I __________ beat them all in the race!
A. could
B. should
C. can
D. might
Answer:
A. could
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a self-help book:
Goals provide direction for our behaviour and guide our actions and thoughts.
| Option No. | Error | Correction |
| (i) | our | your |
| (ii) | behaviour | behaviours |
| (iii) | for | to |
| (iv) | guide | guides |
Answer:
| Option No. | Error | Correction |
| (iii) | for | to |
(v) Complete the notice by filling in the blan c with the correct option:
The swimming pool __________ at 6 a.m. daily.
A. open
B. is opening
C. opened
D. opens
Answer:
D. opens
(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.
The forecast __________ (mention) a quiet start to the day with a spell of rain to come later on in the afternoon.
Answer:
mentions
(vii) Report the dialogue between two friends, by completing the sentence:
Susan : Do you have any story books to read, Dorothy?
Dorothy : I prefer watching movies in my free time.
In response to the question about story books, Dorothy says that:
Answer:
she preferred watching movies in her free time.
(viii) Identify the error in the given sentence from an article and supply the correction.
Overeating is one of the more wonderful practices among those who think that they can afford it.
Use the given format for your response.
| Error | Correction |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| more | most |
(ix) Samuel shared some information with Trevor, about a movie. Report Trevor’s question.
Is the movie enjoyable?
Answer:
Trevor asked if the movie was enjoyable.
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence.
It was a long day. You be hungry.
A. must
B. might
C. need to
D. should
Answer:
A. must
(xi) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Kim and his brother Raphael.
Kim : (humming) By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept at the memory of Zion,
Raphael: What are you singing, Kim?
Kim : Dear me, don’t you know its Psalm number 137?
Raphael: If one priest found it difficult, then 111 keep asking, till you know about it!
While Kim was singing, Raphael asked him what he was singing. Kim, surprised, asked Raphael if he did not know that it was Psalm number 137. Raphael exclaimed good-humouredly that if a priest found it difficult then:
A. he would kept asking till he know about it.
B. he would keep asking till he knew about it.
C. he would be keeping to ask until he came to know about it.
D. None of the above
Answer:
B. he would keep asking till he knew about it.
(xii) Identify the error on a hoarding found on a motel by the highway.
Taj Restaurant
Child bear, served here
Use the given format for your response.
| Error | Correction |
Answer:
| Error | Correction |
| Child bear | Chilled beer |
Section – C
Creative Writing Skills
IV. All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental.
Question 1.
Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.
A. Write a formal letter (100-120 words) to the principal about the unhygienic conditions in the college washrooms.
Answer:
A.112, Sukhdev Vihar,
Delhi
2nd June, 20XX The Principal,
ARSD College,
Delhi
Subject: Regarding the unhygienic condition of washrooms in the campus Sir,
This is to bring to your kind notice that the washrooms in the college are in a very bad state since the past few weeks. The main housekeeper is unwell and on leave, so the co-helpers are not doing their work properly. They have developed a lethargic attitude. The washrooms stink badly which adds to the dismal.
If the condition continues like this, the students will fall sick. Clean washrooms are the basic necessity in any institution or organisation. I request you to kindly look into this, as it is a matter of serious concern, involving the health of the students. Someone can be temporarily appointed in place of the main housekeeper until he joins back.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
XYZ
OR
B. Write a formal letter to the resident’s welfare president about miscreant activities in the residential park after 6 p.m.
Answer:
115, Anand Parbat,
Delhi
10th August, 20XX
The President,
Residents Welfare Association,
Anand Parbat,
Delhi
Subject: Regarding the miscreant activities in the park Sir,
This is to bring to your kind notice that some inappropriate activities are being carried out in our residential park after 6 p.m. Several residents have seen some unknown teens entering the park with liquor bottles and snacks in the evening. Even after the closure of gates, these people remain inside and then come out late at night by jumping over the gates.
This has been going on for quite some time. Some of the kids and pets have got hurt because of the broken beer bottles. I request you to put some stringent measures to check this and do the needful accordingly. This is a serious concern that has been bothering the residents lately.
I look forward to seeing some measures being taken to prevent this from happening again.
Yours sincerely,
XYZ
Question 2.
Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.
A. Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words analysing the give chart.
Answer:
The chart shows the average level of particulate matter pollution in 2020. Particle pollution, also called particulate matter (PM), is made up of particles (tiny pieces) of solids or liquids that are in the air. These particles may comprise dust, dirt, and soot. Particulate matter pollution contributes to acid rain and climate change. In addition to the worsening of acid rain, particulate pollution can also reverse weather patterns, cause drought, contribute to global warming, and provoke the ocean to acidify.
The chart demonstrates the most polluted cities on the Earth with Hotan, China at the top with 110.2% of pollutant matter rate and Ghaziabad, India following it with 106.6% of pollutant matter rate. Besides Hotan, three other non-Indian cities appear on the list of the world’s most polluted and they include Manikganj in Bangladesh as well as Lahore and Bahawalpur in Pakistan.
OR
B. Read the following excerpt from an article that appeared in the magazine section of a local daily:
Technology is addicting, and like any drug, it is especially effective on children. Be it cell phones, iPods, tablets, computers, or a simple television set, technology hooks children.
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..
Answer:
Yes, technology is very addictive for people of all ages. We tend to ignore people close to us and are more interested in updating status and photos on social media for validation. Technology can be a boon for people who use it judiciously and for a specified purpose; otherwise technology is a bane which can take people away from their kith and kin into a virtual life which is not real. Moreover, for children it is even more dangerous because it takes away their fruitful time and makes them live in a completely different world of imagination.
So, the best way is to use gadgets only for professional or educational purposes and if one has free time then he/she can check out social media for leisure-time activities. Our quality time should be more wisely spent with our family members and in understanding their needs and issues.
Technology is one which brings a positive transformation in an individual and an atmosphere but not the one which has ill-effects on an individual and devastates an atmosphere. Technology should be a constructive tool to achieve some productive purpose and it should not become an addiction because every type of addiction is bad for our mental and physical health.
Section – D
Literature (10 Marks)
V. Reference to the context.
Question 1.
Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given.
A. “Alas! the living ere few, but the dead are man. Do not remind us of our deepest trier And there anas no house but some bel inri! one haitI died in it. (The Sermon at llenares)
(i) What grief were they talking about when they said “Do not remmd us of our grier?
A The grief of losing a loved one.
B. The grief that many people have died in their house,
C. The grief of talking about losing a loved one.
D. The grief that they had lost a son.
Answer:
D. The grief of losing a loved one.
(ii) What did they mean by ‘the living are few, but the dead are many’?
Answer:
By this, thar mean they have lost many people by that time in their house and the people present at the moment in the house is less than the people they have lost.
(iii) Fill In the blank with ONE WORD only.
The people’s _______comes through clearly when they say “Do not remind us of our deepest grief”.
Answer:
helplessness
(iv) Choose the optiorils that list/s the statementls that are tRUE according to the given extract.
A. The living population is very few.
B. The living population has increased manifold.
C. There was no house where no one had died.
D. Both A and C
Answer:
D. Both A and C
(v) Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word ‘living’ as used in line of the extract.
A. He was offered the lig of St Katherine’s.
B. She was struggling to make a living as a dancer.
C. The young man is dead. We have only to consider the living.
D. Olivia has always been a model of healthy lung.
Answer:
C. The young man Is dead. We have only to consider the living.
OR
B. I had forgotten atsnat them an the excitement of the theft. Whole sentencrs, I knew could one day bring mr more
than afew hundred rupees. It was a simple metier to steel – and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be
a really big man. a clever and respected mast. toss something else. I should go hick to And, I told mvse(t if only to
learn to reed and write. (The Thief’s story)
(i) Select the option that correctly captures the usage of the word ‘matter’ from line 2 of the extract.
A. Please phone me back- it’s a matter of some importance.
B. Baking a cake isn’t difficult – it’s just a matter of following the recipe.
C. Being arrested by the police is iso laughing matter.
D. matter is of titee types.
Answer:
A. Please phone me back. it’s a matter of some importance.
(ii) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the text excitement boredom:: joyfuL: _________
Answer:
gloomy
(iii) Select the option that displays the reason why Hati Singh wanted to return the money initially, even though he had forgotten about the sentences-
Because:
A. Anil was a genuine man.
B. Anil was intelligent enough to catch Han, whataoever.
C. Hariwasacared.
D. Hait pitied Anil as he usually he had no money himself.
Answer:
A. And was a genuine man.
(iv) According to the extract, what did Hart mean by “a really big man”?
1. Learned
2. Bulky
3. Erudite
4. Muscular
5. Powerful
A. 1 & 2
B. 2 & 5
C. 1 & 3
D. 4 & 5
Answer:
C. 1 & 3
(v) 1. The author uses em-dash in the given extract.
2. List any way in which it benefits the writer and the reader.
Answer:
- It emphasis the change of heart of Had which makes the reader easy to understand.
- It helps the author to show the change of tone.
Question 2.
Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given.
A. But he’s locked in a concrete cell.
His strength behind bars.
Stalking the length of his cage.
Ignoring visitors.
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately. (A Tiger in the Zoo)
It Is clear that Alliteration is the poetic device used for’ …………. in a concrete oeil’ because _________.
(Cue: explain how alliteration applies here)
Answer:
The repetition of initial consonant sounds in the sanie Line shows how alliteration has been used which draws the attention towards the condition 0E the tiger.
(ii) The poet has used a poetic device in the given lines. What effect does she wish to create by its use?
His strength behind bars.
Stalking the length of his cage, …………
A. Emphasis
B. Imagery
C. Rhyme
D. Comparison
Answer:
B. Imagery
(iii) State whether the following statement Is TRUE or FALSE:
The extract uses tiger to symbolise the necessity of freedom.
Answer:
True
(iv) Select the appropriate option to compLete the sentence, according to the extract.
The idea depicted by the tiger that has been ‘Stalking the length of his cage’ is:
A. Unnatural
B. Scary
C. Helplessness
D. Legendary
Answer:
C. Helplessness
(v) How does the use of personification impact this extract?
A. It simplifies the meaning.
B. it builds momentum.
C. It makes the lines lyrical.
D. It connects the reader more to the poem.
Answer:
D. It connects the reader more to the poem.
OR
B. Belinda giggled till she shook the houst
And Blink said Weeck! which is giggling for a tireuse.
Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age.
When Custard cried for a nice safe cage. (The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
(i) What are the poetic devices used in the above extract?
1. Hyperbole
2. Onomatopoeia
3. Personiftcation
4. Metonymy
5. Enjambment
A. 1 & 2
B. 1 & 4
C. 3 & 5
D. 2 & 3
Answer:
A. 1 & 2
(ii) What causes Custard to ‘cry’ for a cage?
Answer:
Custard crIes for a cage because ills a coward. It always wants a cage so It can feel protected and scant.
(iii) Identify the thyme scheme of the given extract.
A. aabb
B. abab
C. abba
D. abcd
Answer:
A. aahb
(iv) Complete the analogy about the voices used by the animals in the extract.
weed : giggling:: _________ : cried
Answer:
cage
(v) Select the sentence in which the word ‘safe’ is used in the similar manner as line 4 of the extract.
A. That shin is real safe.
B. Thieves broke into the safe and stole everything.
C. Sonia said that she feels safe with Jitesh.
D. With most of the votes counted now, I think it’s safe to say that we won.
Answer:
Sonia said that she feels safe with Jitesh.
VI. Answer ANY FOUR of the foLlowing in about 40-50 words each.
(i) What were the destructions caused by the hailstorm? (A ¡situ to Cod)
Answer:
It rained heavily and continuously, which later converted Into a hailstorm, No leaves remained on the trees and the cornfield was compLetely damaged. Even the leaves of corn did not remain intact. The hailstorm had destroyed everything. The night was a sorrowful one for Lencho. (From the Diary of Anne Frank)
(ii) How did Anne Frank’s friends behave just before the decLaration of the exam results?
Answer:
Anne Frank’s friends quaked In her boots just before the declaration of the exam results. The reason was the forthcoming meeting In which the teachers were to decide who would move up to the nest class and who would niA. Hall of the class made bets. Her friends, C.N. and Jacques, even staked their entire holiday savings on their bets on whether they would pass or fail.
(iii) What was the most fascinating thing (or Valli? (Madam Rides the Bus)
Answer:
The most fascinating thing for Valli was the bus. The bus looked very mysterious to her, she thought that it travelled between her village and the nearest town and brought new passengers every time. It was a new world for her, which gave her unending joy and excijement.
(iv) What message does the poet wish to convey through The Bel? Poem?
Answer:
Through this poem, the poet wishes to convey the futility of grieving over the past. The memories are a treasure. The poet says that money and material things and their losses do not mafter. One has to learn to accept them na part of life.
(v) In the poem flow ti, Tell Wild AttEntais, how does the poet caution the reader regarding the danger of animals?
Answer:
The poet Indirectly and in a humorous way cautions the readers against the dangers involved in going near wild animals. As most wild animals like lions, tigers, bears, crocodiles. hyenas, and chameleons are all beasts of prey and are always on the lookout for victims, it may be dangerous to go very near them.
VII. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each.
(i) What happened at the ball? Was Matilda’s dream fulfilled? (The Necklace)
Answer:
Mme Loisel was greatly admired by everyone at the ball. She looked the prettiest amongst all the
women. All the guests wanted to be near her. She felt on top of the world at the ball. The loss of the necklace spoiled the pleasure and made her depressed.
(ii) Is Max menacing or vulnerable? Comment with reference to The Midnight Visitor.
Answer:
Max is presented as menacing since he sneaks into Ausable’s room and points an automatic pistol at him and Fowler. Still, he is vulnerable because he gets waylaid by Ausable and loses his life. If he had been actually menacing, he would have shot Ausable as soon as the latter entered the room.
(iii) Why did Bholi agree to the unsuitable match at first? (Bholi)
Answer:
Bholi’s consent for the marriage was not asked by anyone. She had to accept the groom. When her
father asked his mother about Bholi’s reaction, she said Bholi was ‘witless’ like a dumb cow and she will not say anything. However, later on, Bholi rejected the groom because of his dowry demands.
VIII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words.
(i) Valli and Belinda were both little girls with a knack for adventure. Assume they both meet in person and have a conversation about their most memorable event.
Write this conversation as per your understanding of Madam Rides the Bus and Tale of Custard the Dragon. You may begin like this:
Valli: Hi Belinda! So nice to meet you. I cannot wait to hear everything about your pets, especially Custard the dragon!
Belinda: Sure Valli, but you must share with me how did it feel like to ride a bus all on your own without anyone at home knowing!
Answer:
Valli: Hi Belinda! So nice to meet you. I cannot wait to hear everything about your pets, especially Custard the dragon!
Belinda: Sure Valli, but you must share with me how did it feel like to ride a bus all on your own without anyone at home knowing!
Valli: I saved my pocket money for that bus ride and it was worth it. I was scared in the end but it was exciting!
Belinda: I was scared too when a pirate entered our house. My kitten Ink, mouse Blink and dog Mustard, were all cowering with fear. But, Custard the dragon saved the day.
Valli: You live with such interesting animals. On my bus-ride I saw a cow stuck on the busy road, but unfortunately, it got hit by a vehicle and died. I was shocked.
Belinda: Oh no! that sounds awful. I cannot imagine parting with any of my animal companions. I love them all equally, even if they breathe fire or have daggers for nails!
Valli: Ha ha! wouldn’t that earn you bragging rights anyway? Having a dragon as a pet!
Belinda: If you want to meet them, you’re always welcomed. And maybe well go on a bus ride together? Valli: Done!
OR
(ii) “The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.”
If you had to use the message of the given quote from Nelson Mandela (Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom) to portray the liberation of women and what it signifies (The Trees), what would you include in it?
Also, evaluate what we can take from the notion.
Answer:
Adrienne Rich’s feminist poem ‘The Trees’ is a symbolic representation of women breaking the shackles of patriarchy and making their own path in a man’s world. The trees, that signify women, had been indoors for this long and the forest of mankind had been barren. There were no branches for the birds to sit on, no foliage and greenery, just an empty wilderness. But the times changed and the trees rebelled and broke the windows of their confinement and rushed out to heal the world.
This can also be interpreted as an act of revolution, something very similar to Nelson Mandela’s struggle. The success achieved after such sacrifices cannot be taken for granted. The freedom and liberation that the people of South Africa and the Trees have fought for, is something that shall live on forever. What we must understand is that this glorious achievement, that the future generations will savour, came at a serious cost and must be valued as such.
IX. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words.
(i) Write a character sketch of Horace Danby. (A Question of Trust)
Answer:
Horace Danby was about fifty years old, unmarried and lived with his housekeeper. He was considered a good and respectable citizen. However, he was not completely honest. He had a keen fondness for rare and expensive books. So, he needed a great deal of money to buy his desired books. He started committing thefts to meet his expenses.
Horace Danby robbed just one safe every year. Moreover, he stole only from those who had a lot of money. He was a very good planner, who planned his robbery in a very systematic manner. He never thought of hurting anybody. Therefore, he did not carry any weapon. He feared prison. Therefore, he was submissive, rather than aggressive because of which the lady outwitted him.
OR
(ii) “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” Justify this statement with reference to The Thief s Story.
Answer:
“The Thief’s Story’ is a story about Hari Singh, a thief, and a kind man, Anil. With a desire to rob Anil, Hari asked him if he could employ him, to which Anil refuse as he could not pay him but he assures to feeding him if he knew how to cook, to which Hari Singh lies that he knew cooking. On his first day, he cooked tasteless food, which Anil fed to the stray dogs instead of rebuking Hari.
Hari used to keep the leftover balance with himself after buying groceries and Anil didn’t mind that as well. Anil also taught Hari how to read, write and cook, which Hari loved. When finally, Hari robbed Anil, his pricked conscience didn’t allow him to proceed further and he returned Anil’s money. Although Anil knew about Hari’s act, he did not give a strong reaction to it. This shows kindness is never wasted and it made a difference by changing Hari and saving Anil from being robbed.