English sample / Model paper for class 10 – Set 12- 2020

English sample / Model paper for class 10 - Set 12- 2020

SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2019-20)

ENGLISH- Language and Literature (code 184)

CLASS-X

Time allowed : 3 Hrs                               Maximum Marks : 80

General Instructions:

1.This Paper is divided into three sections. All questions are compulosry.

2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.

3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

                                              Section: A                           20 Marks

Read the passage carefully.  (12)

OUR FOREFATHERS

Our forefathers had lifestyles very much different from those we have today. Their life was based mainly on the concept of “Simple living and high thinking.” People were satisfied with whatever they obtained after working hard. Excessive material wealth did not mean much for them. They derived mental satisfaction and enrichment which they aimed at.
The structural framework of our forefathers’ families was different from that of ours. They lived in a cohesive joint family structure where they were happier than we are. They cared for each other. The siblings grew up with their cousin’s told. The bond of love which they shared cannot be easily found in the nuclear families of today. The family provided an emotional cushioning effect against tension and stress.
However, in the nuclear family, we are detached from the feelings towards our kith and kin. At times even the cousins do not recognize one another when they happen to be self-centred. Disputes in the family may lead to divisions. This may finally destroy the family psyche.
The joint family system provided a proper environment for the child to grow up. The values of respect, tolerance, responsibility, integrity, etc. were internalized in the child. In the long run, they became better human beings compared to those in the present generation. Our forefathers felt happiest if their children became ‘honest’ human beings.
But today we are happy only if we attain our coveted material ends. We are ready to resort to any means to attain that end. Our philosophy of life has turned out totally Machiavellian.
Our forefathers had the vision to make India the best. To attain their ambitions, they were ready to make all sorts of personal sacrifices. Their happiness lay in that of the millions of Indian brothers and sisters.    

Answer the following questions:                                          (2*4=8)

(a) What is the big difference between our forefathers and us?                         

(b) What is the true meaning of ‘happiness’?                                                          

(c) What happens in a nuclear family?                                                                     

 (d) How does the joint family system make a child a good human being?                 

2. Find the word from the passage which has the same meaning as each word or phrase is shown below. Choose the correct option and write the answer in your answer sheet. (1*4=4)

 (a) Concern or Anxiety (Para 1)

(i) conquest          (ii) sacrifice           

(iii) solicitude      (iv) jealous                                 

 (b) Ancestors (Para 4)

(i) siblings            (ii) forefathers            

(iii) family            (iv) cousins                              

(c) Well desired (Para 7)

 (i) coveted           (ii) resort                    

(iii) adjust            (iv) Machiavellian                    

(d) Aims (Para 7)

(i) sacrifices        (ii) attain         

(iii) visions          (iv) ambitions                                            

Read the passage carefully.   (8)

Sullivan

Sullivan has decided that he will look after his ailing mother, who is laid up with fever and pneumonia. He will therefore not be able to attend school. Devoted a son as he is he does everything that can lessen the agony and pain of his mother. When the physical condition of his mother worsens, Sullivan calls a doctor who prescribes a cough syrup for her. The dispensary is far away, and on his way to the dispensary, he passes by an old cathedral. In return for his mother’s getting well soon, Sullivan promises to spend a penny on a candle for the Blessed Virgin. When he reaches the dispensary, he is told that he will have to wait for the medicine as its preparation will take time. It is while waiting that he meets a girl, who is also there for some medication. Meanwhile, the medicine the girl had come for is ready. The girl collects her bottle of medicine and readily waits for Sullivan. Happy at the company. Sullivan buys a pennyworth of sweets to share with the girl, while they wait for his bottle of medicine. When Sullivan’s bottle is ready, the girl innocently asks Sullivan to let her taste the medicine. Sullivan also asks if he can taste the medicine she is carrying. To this, the girl replies that hers tastes bad. Sullivan allows the girl to taste the medicine he is carrying. The girl finds the taste good. Both of them finish the contents of the bottle.

Now the reality of what has happened dawns on Sullivan and he starts crying bitterly. He curses himself for having spent the penny he had planned to buy the candle with. Feeling downcast and hopeless, Sullivan runs to the cathedral and, kneeling down before the Blessed Virgin, promises to buy a candle with the next penny if only she will cure his mother of her ailment. When he reaches home guilt-ridden he finds his mother all right and reveals everything to her. God had listened to his prayer.

On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions briefly (8 marks)

(a) Why will Sullivan not be able to attend school?              

(b) At the cathedral, what promise does Sullivan make?                  

(c) What is Sullivan told on reaching the dispensary?                                           

(d) Being happy at the girl’s company, what does Sullivan do?                           

(e) Why does Sullivan start crying bitterly?                                                             

(f) On his way home, what does Sullivan do at the cathedral?                            

(g) Why is Sullivan kept waiting at the dispensary?

(h) What promise did Sullivan make if his mother would be cured?

                                Section: B                                30 Marks

Q.3 The local authorities are planning to convert your neighbourhood park into a residential block with some convenience shops. Local residents are dismayed and angry. Write to the Mayor, Municipal Corporation, expressing your disgust and anguish. You are the General Secretary, Residents’ Welfare Association.                                  (8)

OR

You make the following notes after reading about the disappearance of bird habitats from city forests and parks. Write an article in 100-120 words stressing upon the need for bringing back the birds to the city. You are Sonu/Sonalika.

Overuse of pesticides in maintenance of city parks… cutting down of roadside trees…….putting up of communication towers on rooftops facing parks…leading to extinction of nesting grounds for birds…..preservation of bird life through man-made bird baths in home balconies,.. Hand-rearing of orphaned fledglings …….nesting areas in alcoves and groves…need for clean and green environment.

Q.4 Write a story in about 150-200 words with the following beginning and give a suitable title to it. (10)
It had been over two hours waiting for the train. Ruhi was getting restless. Suddenly she………………………

Q.5. Complete the paragraph given below by filling in the blanks choosing the correct option from those that follow.       (4)

When Francis Day (a) ______ Fort St. George, he was severely criticized for selecting a place (b) had no natural harbour. Ships (c)________  anchor far out at sea and the passengers had to be brought ashore by masullas, boats made of (d)_______. However, by 1881, an artificial harbour was constructed north of the Marina beach. Today, Chennai is a major shipping centre.

(a) (i) would built           (ii) built                (iii) was built                (iv) were built

(b) (i) which                    (ii) what               (iii) who                       (iv) when

(c) (i) has to                    (ii) had to            (iii) was to                    (iv) have to

(d) (i) planks were tied together                (ii) planks tied together

(iii) planks tie together                               (iv) planks had been tied together          

Q.6. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correct in your answer sheet against the correct blank number. (4)

                                                                                                Incorrect    Correct

1.In the last four decades, there have been a very  (a) ______     ____                   

2. significant rise in the numbers of lower middle and  (b) _____ ______            

3. middle class woman who seek employment to  (c) ______      _____           

4. supplemented their household income. (d) ______      _____

                                    Section: C                           30 Marks

Q.8 Read the extract given below and answers the questions that follow.

1. Bishamber raised the garland to place it around the bride’s neck; but before he could do so, Bholi’s hand struck out like a streak of lightning and the garland was flung into the fire. She got up and threw away the veil.

(a) What did Bholi do?

 (b) Why did she do it?

(c) Why did Bholi at first agree to an unequal match?

 (d) Later, she rejected the marriage. What does this tell us about her?

OR

2. He felt certain that his wings would never support him, so he bent his head and ran ways back to the little hole under the ledge where he slept at night.

(a) Who does He’ refer to in the first sentence?

(b) Why did he run back to the hole instead of trying to fly?

(c) Where did he sleep at night?

(d) Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?

Q.9 Answer any five of the following questions in 30 to 40 words each. (2*5=10)

1.What was born out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster? Why should humanity be proud of it?

2. According to the poet, what do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ represent? Do you agree with him?

3. How did Horace fulfill his desire of reading books after he was arrested?

4. What is the theme of the poem — ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’?

5. Which drawing did Wanda ask to give to Peggy?

6. He stood at the edge of the ledge on one leg and closed his eyes. Why?

Q.10 Describe the physical and geographical features of Coorg. (8)

OR

Who was Bishamber? Why did Bholi’s parents accept his marriage proposal?

Q.11 Lisle wished to keep his wife in good humour. Which values of Matilda impress him?    (8) 

OR

What landscape did Rajvir notice while sitting in the train?

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