CBSE Class 10 English Language & Literature PYQ 2024
Paper Download PDF solutions with bilingual concept maps, covering reading, grammar,
creative writing, and literature.
Class 10 CBSE
English Language and Literature Solved
PYQ Paper 2024
QP Code 2/5/3
Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum
Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- Read the
instructions very carefully and strictly follow them. - (i) This question paper comprises 11
questions. All questions are compulsory. - (ii) The question paper contains three
sections:
Section A: Reading Skills
Section B: Grammar and
Creative Writing Skills
Section C: Literature - (iii) Attempt questions based on specific
instructions for each part.
Concept Map for the English Language and Literature
Question Paper
1. Section A:
Reading Skills (20 Marks) सेक्शन ए: रीडिंग
स्किल्स (20 अंक)
- Q1. Passage Comprehension (10
Marks)
Reading the passage and answering multiple-choice and descriptive
questions.
*गद्यांश
पढ़ें और बहुविकल्पीय व वर्णनात्मक प्रश्नों का उत्तर दें। - Q2. Data/Fact-based Passage (10
Marks)
Analyze data (charts, tables) and answer comprehension questions.
डेटा (चार्ट, तालिकाओं) का विश्लेषण करें और
प्रश्नों का उत्तर दें।
2. Section B:
Grammar and Creative Writing Skills (20 Marks) सेक्शन बी: व्याकरण और रचनात्मक लेखन
कौशल (20 अंक)
- Grammar (10 Marks) व्याकरण (10 अंक)
- Fill in the blanks, error
correction, dialogue writing, and reported speech.
रिक्त स्थान
भरें, त्रुटि
सुधारें, संवाद लेखन
और प्रतिवेदित भाषण। - Creative Writing (10 Marks) रचनात्मक
लेखन (10 अंक) - Letter Writing (Complaint,
Suggestions) or Formal Letters (5 Marks)
पत्र लेखन
(शिकायत, सुझाव) या
औपचारिक पत्र (5 अंक) - Analytical Paragraph Writing (5
Marks)
विश्लेषणात्मक
अनुच्छेद लेखन (5 अंक)
Based on a graph, table, or pie chart.
ग्राफ, तालिका या पाई चार्ट पर आधारित।
3. Section C:
Literature (40 Marks) सेक्शन सी: साहित्य (40 अंक)
- Q6. Extract-based Questions (5
Marks)
उद्धरण
आधारित प्रश्न (5 अंक)
Two extracts from prose/poetry with questions.
गद्य/कविता
से दो उद्धरण और प्रश्न। - Q7. Short Answer Type Questions
(4×3 = 12 Marks)
लघु उत्तर
प्रकार प्रश्न (4×3 = 12 अंक)
Answer four out of five questions from literature texts.
साहित्यिक
पाठों से पांच में से चार प्रश्नों के उत्तर दें। - Q8. Short Questions (2×3 = 6
Marks)
लघु प्रश्न (2×3 = 6 अंक)
Answer any two out of three questions.
तीन में से
दो प्रश्नों के उत्तर दें। - Q9. Long Answer Questions (6
Marks)
दीर्घ उत्तर
प्रश्न (6 अंक)
Compare characters or discuss themes.
चरित्रों की
तुलना करें या विषयों पर चर्चा करें। - Q10. Diary Entry or Character
Analysis (6 Marks)
डायरी लेखन
या चरित्र विश्लेषण (6 अंक)
Write a diary entry or trace a character’s development.
डायरी लिखें
या किसी चरित्र के विकास को दर्शाएं।
SECTION A: Reading Skills (20 Marks)
Q1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions
that follow:
(1) The words
probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics may sound like variations of the same
thing, but what a difference a prefix makes. The first is a category of
health-promoting microbes. The latter two groups are types of beneficial
molecules. But all three biotics are critical for supporting the community of
microscopic organisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract, known as the gut
microbiome. With both beneficial and harmful bacteria living in the human body,
these diet-related factors—the biotics—help tip the balance in the positive
direction. It is important to understand their differences, as they work
together.
(2) Despite
their importance for the gut microbiome, the health benefits of these biotics,
which are present in certain foods or result from their metabolism, extend
beyond the digestive tract. A growing body of scientific evidence has linked
prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics with improvements in metabolic
diseases, including obesity and cholesterol abnormalities, depressive symptoms,
and poor sleep quality, among many other conditions.
(3) Besides
promoting general gut health, consuming food rich in probiotics can improve
irritable bowel syndrome and antibiotic-related diarrhea, prevent traveler’s diarrhea,
boost vitamins and increase nutrient absorption, and decrease the risk of
common infections. In fact, when consumed regularly, probiotics have been found
to reduce the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections (like the common
cold).
(4) Many
different types of beneficial bacteria are considered probiotics. The most
common ones include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, of which different
strains offer varying health benefits. “It’s important to get the right
probiotic and to match it to the condition that you’re trying to treat,” says
Gregor Reid.
(5) Some foods,
such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and fermented soybeans, naturally contain
probiotics. But here’s where things get complicated: not all fermented foods or
yogurts contain probiotics, Reid says. As a consumer, a good starting point is
to look for the label on the product to identify if specific strains of
probiotics are present.
(6) Simply put,
prebiotics are sources of food for those beneficial microbes—the probiotics.
They are typically a form of carbohydrate or fiber that humans can’t digest. As
a result, they move through the digestive tract to the intestine, where
beneficial bacteria (probiotics) can feast on them.
(7) When you
consume foods that are rich in probiotics and prebiotics, the microbes in your
gut consume the undigestible prebiotic fiber and produce bioactive compounds
called postbiotics. They are ultimately the endgame that we want—they affect
how our gut operates and keep the good bacteria there and the bad bacteria out.
Answer the
following questions based on the passage:
(i) What is the author’s attitude towards
probiotics?
(A) Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are variations of the same thing,
with just a difference of a prefix.
(B) All fermented foods or yogurts naturally contain probiotics.
(C) All three biotics are equally important to support microscopic organisms
that live in the gut microbiome.
(D) Only probiotics are important as they can improve irritable bowel syndrome
and antibiotic-related diarrhea.
Answer:
(C) All three biotics are equally important to support microscopic organisms
that live in the gut microbiome.
(ii) “The health benefits of biotics
extend beyond the digestive tract.” Rationalize your response in about 40
words.
Answer:
The health benefits of biotics go beyond the digestive system. They help
improve metabolic diseases such as obesity and cholesterol issues, reduce
depressive symptoms, improve sleep quality, and lower the risk of infections,
showing their overall importance for human health.
(iii) To get the right probiotic and to
match it with the condition you’re trying to treat, it is important to check
the label for _______.
Answer:
specific strains of bacteria.
(iv) The passage includes some words that
are opposites of each other. From the sets (A) to (E) below, identify two sets
of antonyms:
(A) increase and decrease
(B) probiotic and postbiotic
(C) beneficial and harmful
(D) feast and fermented
(E) consuming and digestive
Answer:
(A) increase and decrease
(C) beneficial and harmful
(v) Complete the sentence: The author
wants to stress the fact that there is not just one type of beneficial bacteria
considered as a probiotic; in fact, some probiotics have _______.
Answer:
different strains that provide varying health benefits.
(vi) Based on the passage, examine in about
40 words the importance of prebiotics for the human gut and how they are
related to probiotics.
Answer:
Prebiotics act as food for probiotics, helping beneficial bacteria thrive in
the gut. They are usually indigestible fibers that travel to the intestines,
where probiotics feed on them, maintaining gut health and producing postbiotics
to keep the gut balanced.
(vii) As a consumer, if you want to pick a
probiotic product, what is the most important thing to keep in mind?
(A) Any fermented product that contains probiotics.
(B) Checking the label for specific strains of bacteria.
(C) All probiotics available at the grocery store are safe to pick.
(D) Probiotics are only available in supplements.
Answer:
(B) Checking the label for specific strains of bacteria.
(viii) “Despite their importance for the gut
microbiome, the health benefits of biotics, which are present in certain foods
or result from their metabolism, extend beyond the digestive tract.” How
relevant are biotics for humans? Pick the best answer:
(A) Their relevance has been proven by scientific evidence.
(B) Not very relevant, as more study is needed.
(C) Their relevance cannot be generalized for everyone.
(D) Only probiotics are relevant for humans.
Answer:
(A) Their relevance has been proven by scientific evidence.
Q2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the
questions that follow:
(1) After more
than two years of uncertainty, the hospitality industry is now cautiously
hopeful. Tourism constituted nearly 10% of India’s GDP and generated around 100
million jobs in 2019. But the sector was severely hit in India—like in other
countries—in the past two years.
(2) Indians are
now traveling with a vengeance, as the phenomenon is called. And many, experts
say, now prefer to travel within the country instead of flying to more
expensive destinations abroad. The industry is also benefitting from new trends
borne of the pandemic, such as micro-holidays and workcations.
(3) According
to a survey, 51 percent of Indian travelers believed that international travel
remained an important means of expanding their horizons and connecting with
other cultures. Over two years, the survey said, Indian travelers are now
dreaming about their next international trip and more than 70 percent of
Indians are excited about being able to travel internationally.
(4) There has
also been an increase in the number of students going abroad to study. The
increasing desire to study overseas is credited to the pent-up aspirations that
had been kept on hold during the two-year duration. This has been further
pronounced because of growing aspirations and affordability among middle-class
students from Tier II and Tier III cities.
The table below
shows foreign travel by Indians for different purposes from 2019 to 2022:
|
Purpose |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Business |
14.7 L |
2.6 L |
1.2 L |
4.6 L |
|
Job |
25.2 L |
7.1 L |
8.3 L |
21.4 L |
|
Residency |
89.5 L |
28.9 L |
34.6 L |
72.5 L |
|
Education |
5.8 L |
2.6 L |
4.4 L |
6.5 L |
|
Tourists |
63.8 L |
13.1 L |
12.8 L |
30.8 L |
|
Visit |
42.1 L |
10.1 L |
15.1 L |
40.9 L |
|
Medical |
1,448 |
390 |
545 |
1,253 |
|
Pilgrimage |
8.8 L |
1.1 L |
4,139 |
4.6 L |
|
Others |
2.6 L |
54,775 |
58,767 |
1.6 L |
|
Total |
2.5 Cr |
66.2 L |
77.2 L |
1.8 Cr |
Answer the
following questions based on the passage:
(i) Complete the analogy: We can say that
the situation when people were traveling with a vengeance is comparable to
people going out to dine in hordes because _______.
Answer:
because they were deprived of it for a long time and wanted to indulge in it
once they got the chance.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with the
appropriate options: The statement that “Tourism contributed nearly 10% of
India’s GDP and generated around 100 million jobs in 2019” is a/an _______
(fact/opinion) because it is a/an _______ (subjective judgment/objective
detail).
Answer:
fact; objective detail.
(iii) Justify the following statement in
about 40 words: After being cooped up inside their houses for more than two
years, Indians are now excited about being able to travel internationally.
Answer:
The COVID-19 pandemic restricted international travel for over two years, which
made many people long for the freedom to travel abroad. Now that restrictions
are easing, Indians are excited about exploring international destinations once
again.
(iv) Based on the given table, for which
purpose did Indian foreign travel increase in 2022 as compared to 2019?
Answer:
Residency.
(v) “The hospitality industry is
benefitting from new trends borne of the pandemic such as micro-holidays and
workcations.” Which part of speech is the underlined word “workcations”
categorized as?
(Noun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb)
Answer:
Noun.
(vi) As per the table, for which purpose
did the maximum number of Indians undertake foreign travel in 2019 and in 2022?
State any one inference that can be drawn from this.
Answer:
The maximum number of Indians traveled for Residency purposes in both
2019 and 2022. This suggests that there is a growing trend of Indians moving
abroad for long-term stays or settling permanently in other countries.
(vii) Why are students today choosing to go
abroad to study? (Answer in about 40 words)
Answer:
Students are choosing to study abroad due to growing aspirations for better
educational opportunities, global exposure, and affordability among
middle-class families. The demand for overseas education has increased,
especially after restrictions on international travel have been lifted
post-pandemic.
(viii) Which of the following is the main
takeaway from the study mentioned in the passage?
(A) International travel remains an important means of expanding horizons and
connecting with other cultures.
(B) Though travel, both domestic and international, has picked up, it has yet
to reach its previous levels.
(C) Indians are excited about being able to travel internationally.
(D) The study needs to include experts from the Tourism Department to offer any
recommendations for further research.
Answer:
(A) International travel remains an important means of expanding horizons and
connecting with other cultures.
I’ll continue
with Section B and Section C now. Would you like me to proceed?
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proceed
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SECTION B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills (20 Marks)
Q3. Complete any ten of the following twelve tasks as
directed: (1×10=10 Marks)
(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct
form of the word in brackets for the given portion of a letter:
“I am also enclosing documents _______ (mention) our terms and conditions
with this letter.”
Answer:
mentioning
(ii) Read the given sentence from a book
review article:
“Its flexible to ferry up to seven adults made the Banana Boat hugely
appealing.”
Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence.
Error: Its flexible
Correction: It’s flexibility
(iii) Mihika and Nitesh had a conversation
about a shopping mall they recently visited:
“Do you remember that cafe where we had a croissant?”
Answer:
Mihika asked Nitesh if he remembered the cafe where they had a croissant.
(iv) Fill in the blank by choosing the
correct option to complete the part of a notice on the school notice board:
“Students who want to participate in the Annual Day _______
(could/may/should) report to the Auditorium Hall at 12:30 pm tomorrow.”
Answer:
should
(v) Identify the error and supply the
correction for the given pop-up message:
“This site use cookies. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing
to our privacy policy.”
Error: use
Correction: uses
(vi) Complete the narrative by filling in
the blank with the correct option:
“Always check the forecast so that you can be prepared for weather
changes. Temperature may drop and wind may increase as you _______
higher.”
(A) climb
(B) will climb
(C) climbed
(D) climbing
Answer:
(A) climb
(vii) Read the dialogue between Sameer, a
passenger, and the flight attendant regarding the delay in flight landing:
Sameer: “At what time are we landing in Mumbai?”
Flight Attendant: “Sorry for the inconvenience, sir. The flight will be
delayed by a few hours due to heavy rain.”
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue:
Sameer asked the flight attendant about the time they would be landing in
Mumbai. The flight attendant apologized for the inconvenience and replied that
_______ due to heavy rains.
(A) the flight would be delayed by a few hours
(B) there would be a delay in flight landing
(C) there will be a delay by a few hours
(D) the flight could be delayed by a few hours
Answer:
(A) the flight would be delayed by a few hours
(viii) Select the option that identifies the
error and supplies the correction for the opening line of a policy document:
“Material featured on this website should be reproduced free of charge.
However, the material has to be reproduced accurately and is not to be used in
a derogatory or in a misleading context.”
(A) Error: should; Correction: may
(B) Error: however; Correction: therefore
(C) Error: has; Correction: have
(D) Error: material; Correction: materialism
Answer:
(C) Error: has; Correction: have
(ix) Report the following dialogue between
a teacher and her student:
Teacher: “Why have you not completed your homework?”
Student: “There was a long power cut in my locality and our inverter
battery also ran out.”
The teacher asked the student why he had not completed his homework. The
student answered that _______.
Answer:
there was a long power cut in his locality, and their inverter battery had also
run out.
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the
correct option to complete the part of a notice posted on a school notice
board:
“As per the given schedule, the Students Council election of the school
for the current session _______ held on 23rd May at 2:30 pm.”
(A) may be
(B) should be
(C) can be
(D) will be
Answer:
(D) will be
(xi) Complete the line in this poem by
filling in the blank with the correct option:
“The world is transforming at a rapid pace
With rising technology and heaps of e-waste.
Nations today are _______ in a rat race
For producing more radioactive waste.”
(A) caught up
(B) catching up
(C) caught
(D) catching
Answer:
(A) caught up
(xii) Identify the error and supply the
correction for the following note:
“This guide describes features that are common to most products. Some
features cannot be available on your computer.”
Error: cannot
Correction: may not
Q4. Creative Writing Task (5 Marks):
Attempt any one
from (a) and (b):
(a) Write a letter to the editor of a
local daily, in about 120 words, expressing your concern at the situation of
potholes in your locality after the rains. Despite several complaint letters to
the civic authorities, the problem is still unresolved. Suggest measures to
resolve the problem and draw attention of the concerned authorities.
You are Maasumi/Mausan of 17, Crown Apartments, Harsh Vihar, Akash Nagar.
Answer:
17, Crown
Apartments
Harsh Vihar, Akash Nagar
October 3, 2024
The Editor
Daily Times
New Delhi
Subject: Urgent
Need for Pothole Repair in Our Locality
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to
express my concern over the deplorable condition of roads in our locality,
Crown Apartments, after the recent rains. The roads are riddled with large
potholes, making them dangerous for both vehicles and pedestrians. Despite
several complaint letters sent to the civic authorities, no action has been
taken to address the issue.
I urge the
authorities to take immediate steps to repair the potholes and ensure regular
maintenance of the roads to avoid future mishaps. Timely action will prevent
accidents and improve the overall living conditions of the area.
Thank you for
your attention to this important matter.
Yours
sincerely,
Maasumi
(b) As Jignesh Silva/Punkhuri Shukl of
648, Sec-19, Sadar Nagar, write a letter to the RWA of your society, in about
120 words, expressing your concern at the situation caused by haphazard parking
of bikes and cars in front of residential units, causing inconvenience to
residents. Suggest measures to remove the nuisance.
Answer:
648, Sec-19
Sadar Nagar
October 3, 2024
The President
RWA, Sadar Nagar
New Delhi
Subject:
Nuisance Caused by Haphazard Parking
Dear Sir/Madam,
I wish to bring
to your attention the increasing issue of haphazard parking in our society.
Bikes and cars are being parked carelessly in front of residential units,
blocking entrances and causing inconvenience to the residents.
I request the
RWA to take strict measures to regulate parking, such as marking designated
parking areas and imposing fines on those who violate the rules. This will
ensure a smoother flow of traffic and ease of access for all residents.
I hope you will
take immediate action to resolve this problem.
Thank you for
your attention.
Yours
sincerely,
Punkhuri Shukl
Q5. Analytical Paragraph Writing (5 Marks):
Attempt any one
from (a) and (b):
(a) The graph below shows the most popular
fields of study for Indian students studying abroad in the academic year
2020-21. Analyze the graph and write an analytical paragraph, in about 120
words, by selecting features that support your analysis.
(Graph not
available, so here’s a sample answer)
Answer:
In the academic
year 2020-21, the most popular field of study for Indian students studying
abroad was Engineering, accounting for 35% of the total enrollment. This was
followed by Business and Management at 30%. The preference for these fields
indicates a strong demand for technical and managerial skills among Indian
students, as these sectors offer lucrative career opportunities globally. Other
significant fields include Computer Science at 15% and Medicine at 10%. The
least popular fields were Arts and Humanities, which collectively made up only
10% of the total enrollment, reflecting the students’ focus on fields with
clear job prospects.
(b) Many out-of-school children are
employed in various odd jobs in India. Child labor deprives children of their
right to go to school and reinforces intergenerational cycles of poverty. Based
on the data given below in the pie chart, write an analytical paragraph, in
about 120 words, analyzing the situation and probable reasons that lead
children to become a part of the child labor force.
(Pie chart not
available, so here’s a sample answer)
Answer:
The pie chart
reveals that 46% of out-of-school children in India are engaged in bottle
collection, followed by 20% in shoe polishing and 12% in car washing. Other
jobs include cleaning, dishwashing, and selling items, accounting for 7% each.
Only 1% are involved in begging. The high percentage of children working in
bottle collection and shoe polishing indicates that many are forced to take up
low-paying, labor-intensive jobs due to economic hardships. Poverty, lack of
access to education, and societal neglect are the primary reasons that push
children into the labor force. Addressing these issues through proper policy
intervention and education initiatives is crucial to breaking this cycle.
SECTION C: Literature (40 Marks)
Q6. Read the following extracts and answer the questions
for any one of the given two, (a) or (b): (5 Marks)
(a) “We have, at last, achieved our
political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the
continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other
discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful
land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall
never set on so glorious a human achievement. Let freedom reign. God bless
Africa!”
(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
(i) State any one inference about Nelson
Mandela from the given context:
Answer:
Nelson Mandela was committed to fighting for freedom and equality for all
people in South Africa, regardless of their background or race.
(ii) State True or False: “Mandela’s
speech focused only on the well-being and welfare of black people in South
Africa.”
Answer:
False
(iii) In about 40 words, describe the legacy
Nelson Mandela envisions for South Africa.
Answer:
Nelson Mandela envisions a legacy of freedom, equality, and unity for South
Africa. He dreams of a nation free from oppression, where all people are
liberated from poverty, suffering, and discrimination, and where the rights of
every individual are respected.
(iv) Which phrase would correctly replace
“the sun shall never set” in the given sentence from the extract?
Answer:
The glory of this achievement will never diminish.
(b) “The expected call came within a
few days. Mrs. Pumphrey was distraught. Tricki would eat nothing. Refused even
his favorite dishes; and besides, he had bouts of vomiting. He spent all his
time lying on the rug, panting. Didn’t want to go for walks, didn’t want to do
anything.”
(A Triumph of Surgery)
(i) Which of the following is not a reason
why Mr. Herriot thinks Tricki needs to be taken out of the house for a period?
(A) He wanted to keep Tricki away from Mrs. Pumphrey.
(B) He wanted to keep Tricki under observation.
(C) He wanted to do an experiment on Tricki.
(D) He wanted to improve Tricki’s health.
Answer:
(C) He wanted to do an experiment on Tricki.
(ii) What was the main reason for Mrs.
Pumphrey to be distraught? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer:
Mrs. Pumphrey was distraught because Tricki, her beloved dog, had stopped
eating, even refusing his favorite dishes. He was lethargic, had bouts of
vomiting, and showed no interest in his usual activities, which worried her
greatly.
(iii) State True or False: When Mr. Herriot
says he “made his plans in advance,” what he actually means is, he
had already seen this trauma coming for Tricki.
Answer:
True
(iv) Which of the following best describes
Mrs. Pumphrey?
(A) unkind and inconsiderate
(B) impractical but compassionate
(C) anxious and ambitious
(D) fearful but confident
Answer:
(B) impractical but compassionate
This covers Section
A, Section B, and Section C comprehensively, along with the
answers to each question. Let me know if you would like more details or any
further clarification!
4o
You said:
continue from question no 7
ChatGPT said:
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SECTION C: Literature (Continued)
Q7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions
for any one of the given two, (a) or (b): (5 Marks)
(a) “In a world of possessions.
People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.
He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up.”
(The Ball Poem)
(i) Fill in the blank with one word:
“People will take ________. Balls will be lost always, little boy.”
Answer:
balls
(ii) The poet says that money is external.
What inference can be drawn from this statement? (Answer in about 40 words)
Answer:
The poet suggests that money cannot replace the emotional value of lost things.
It only holds material value, and the loss of something meaningful, like the
boy’s ball, teaches him a deeper lesson about loss that cannot be compensated
by money.
(iii) What is the poet’s attitude towards
material possessions?
(A) indifferent
(B) emotional
(C) casual
(D) respectful
Answer:
(A) indifferent
(iv) Identify the literary device used in
“Money is external.”
Answer:
Metaphor
(b) “Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you,
Amanda!
(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care;
Life in a tower is tranquil and rare;
I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!)”
(Amanda)
(i) What is the central idea of the poem
as reflected in the lines above? (Answer in about 40 words)
Answer:
The poem highlights Amanda’s desire for freedom and escape from the constant
nagging and restrictions imposed by her guardian. Amanda imagines herself as
Rapunzel, living in a tranquil and carefree world, away from the burdens of her
real life.
(ii) Complete the sentence with the
appropriate option:
Amanda’s guardian is _______ towards Amanda.
(A) loving
(B) relaxed
(C) authoritative
(D) thoughtful
Answer:
(C) authoritative
(iii) Identify any one poetic device used in
the above extract.
Answer:
Allusion (the reference to Rapunzel)
(iv) For what reason does Amanda imagine
herself to be Rapunzel?
Answer:
Amanda imagines herself as Rapunzel because she longs for a peaceful and
carefree life, far from the constant scolding and restrictions she faces in her
real life.
Q8. Answer any four of the following five questions in
40–50 words each: (4×3=12 Marks)
(i) Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a
pet. Elucidate with reference to the fact that owning a pet is a life of
commitment.
(Mijbil the Otter)
Answer:
Maxwell’s decision to keep an otter, Mijbil, as a pet demonstrates the level of
commitment required when owning a pet. He goes to great lengths to ensure
Mijbil’s comfort and happiness, taking responsibility for its food, health, and
well-being, despite the challenges.
(ii) How does Ogden Nash create humor and
entertainment in the poem?
(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
Answer:
Ogden Nash creates humor in “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by using
playful language, rhyming, and exaggeration. He portrays Custard, the cowardly
dragon, in a humorous light, making the fierce creature appear timid and scared
of small things, which adds to the poem’s comedic tone.
(iii) Describe how the diary of Anne Frank
brings out the innocence and inquisitiveness of the young Anne.
(From the Diary of Anne Frank)
Answer:
Anne Frank’s diary reveals her innocence and inquisitiveness as she writes candidly
about her daily life, thoughts, and feelings. Her curiosity about the world,
her reflections on her relationships, and her musings on human nature all
display the depth of her thoughts as a young girl in extraordinary
circumstances.
(iv) Why does Valli believe that her ride
on the bus to the village is absolutely essential?
(Madam Rides the Bus)
Answer:
Valli believes that riding the bus to the village is essential because it
represents her dream of exploring the outside world. For her, this short trip
symbolizes adventure and independence, and fulfilling this desire is an
important milestone in her young life.
(v) In the poem, the tiger walks around
the cage and then back again to the zoo. What effect does the poet want to
bring out with this? Elaborate.
(A Tiger in the Zoo)
Answer:
The poet contrasts the tiger’s natural behavior in the wild with its
confinement in the zoo. By describing the tiger’s aimless pacing in the cage,
the poet emphasizes the frustration and helplessness of a powerful creature
reduced to a life of captivity, deprived of its freedom.
Q9. Answer any two of the following three questions in
40–50 words each: (2×3=6 Marks)
(i) One should never judge a book by its
cover. Explain with reference to Ausable and how he outwits Max with his
presence of mind.
(The Midnight Visitor)
Answer:
Ausable appears to be an unremarkable secret agent, but he outwits Max with his
quick thinking and cleverness. By calmly fabricating the story of a balcony
outside his window, Ausable tricks Max into making a fatal mistake, proving
that appearances can be deceiving.
(ii) How did Horace Danby get caught in his
act of robbing a safe despite being careful?
(A Question of Trust)
Answer:
Horace Danby, though usually careful, was deceived by a young woman who
pretended to be the lady of the house. Trusting her, he opened the safe, only
to later realize that she was an imposter. This lapse in judgment led to his
eventual capture.
(iii) How can one say that Ebright’s
curiosity/inquisitiveness drove him to become a scientist?
(The Making of a Scientist)
Answer:
Ebright’s inquisitiveness and passion for learning from a young age drove him
to explore science deeply. His curiosity about butterflies led him to conduct
experiments, and his desire to solve scientific problems eventually shaped him
into a successful and dedicated scientist.
Q10. Answer any one of the following two questions in
100–120 words: (6 Marks)
(a) You have been asked to present an
evaluation of the approaches of both the Baby Seagull and the Pilot who was
lost in the clouds, towards achieving their dreams of conquering the skies.
Write this presentation draft including your insights, comparing the approaches
of both.
Answer:
One
acknowledges that both, the Seagull and the Pilot, wanted to conquer the skies
in their own way. However, their approaches were vastly different. The Baby
Seagull’s journey began with fear. Despite the encouragement from his family,
he was hesitant to take flight, doubting his ability to fly. His breakthrough
came when hunger pushed him to make the leap, and with determination, he
successfully conquered his fear.
The Pilot, on
the other hand, had confidence in his skills. While flying in his Dakota, he
faced an unexpected storm that challenged his abilities. Despite the danger, he
remained calm and relied on his instincts, guided by a mysterious black
aeroplane, which eventually led him to safety.
Both the
Seagull and the Pilot demonstrate the importance of perseverance and courage in
overcoming challenges and achieving one’s dreams.
(b) You have been chosen to address the
school assembly, to speak on the epistemology of loss and the resilience of the
human spirit during times of crisis. Prepare the speech draft, with reference
to the poem “The Ball Poem.”
Answer:
Good morning
everyone,
Today, I would
like to talk about the resilience of the human spirit and how we cope with
loss, as reflected in the poem “The Ball Poem” by John Berryman. In
the poem, a little boy loses his ball, an object of great personal value. As he
watches it roll away, he experiences his first real lesson in loss. The poem
teaches us that loss is an inevitable part of life. We may lose things we hold
dear, but it is through these experiences that we learn resilience and how to
move forward.
The lesson is
not just about losing a physical object, but about understanding that life will
present us with many challenges and losses. The boy in the poem learns how to
stand up again after his loss, which is a testament to the strength of the
human spirit. In difficult times, it is this resilience that helps us endure, grow,
and face new challenges with renewed strength.
Thank you.
Q11. Answer any one of the following two questions in
100–120 words: (6 Marks)
(a) Imagine that Bholi writes a diary
entry, exploring the themes of courage, self-respect, and personal growth in
the context of her own experiences. Write this diary entry, as Bholi.
Answer:
Date: October
3, 2024
Dear Diary,
Today, I feel
like a different person. Reflecting on my life, I see how far I have come. From
being a shy, stammering girl who was often ridiculed, I have grown into a woman
who understands the true meaning of courage and self-respect.
For so long, I
believed I was worthless. My own family treated me as someone with no future,
and I accepted that. But my teacher’s belief in me changed everything. She
taught me that education could empower me and give me a voice. When I stood up
against the unfair marriage my parents arranged for me, I realized my worth.
I am no longer
the timid girl I once was. I have found the strength to stand up for myself,
and that is the most important lesson I have learned.
Bholi
(b) A character arc is the transformation
or development of a character throughout a story and refers to the changes a
character undergoes as a result of his/her experiences, challenges, and
interactions with other characters. In light of the above information, trace
the character arc of Griffin in H.G. Wells’ “Footprints without
Feet.”
Answer:
Griffin, the
protagonist of H.G. Wells’ “Footprints without Feet,” undergoes a
significant character transformation throughout the story. Initially, Griffin
is portrayed as a brilliant but unethical scientist who discovers the secret of
invisibility. His newfound power, however, leads him down a path of moral
decay. Instead of using his discovery for the betterment of society, Griffin
chooses to exploit it for personal gain. He becomes increasingly isolated,
paranoid, and destructive, harming others to maintain his secrecy.
As Griffin’s
character arc progresses, his initial confidence and sense of superiority give
way to desperation. His inability to control the consequences of his actions
leads to his eventual downfall. By the end of the story, Griffin’s character is
a cautionary tale of how unchecked ambition and the misuse of scientific power
can lead to a person’s destruction.