Uttarakhand Board Class 10 Question Bank English

Uttarakhand Board
Class 10 Question Bank

English
Class 10th
Reading Skills

Passage 1
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

What is Discipline? It is absolute freedom to do what a person wants? Is freedom regardless of
consequences? Does it mean corrective action after a problem occurs or a wrong is done? Is it
imposition? Is it abuse? Does it take away freedom?
The answer is none of the above. Discipline does not mean that a person takes a belt and beat
up kids. That is madness. Discipline is loving firmness. It is direction it is prevention before a problem
arises. It is harnessing and channelizing energy for greater performance. Discipline is not something
you do to yourself but you do for those you care about.
Discipline is an act of love. Sometimes you have to be unkind and to be kind: not all medicine
is sweet not all surgery is painless, but we have to take it. We need to learn from nature. We are all
familiar with that a big animal, the giraffe. A mama giraffe gives birth to a baby giraffe standing. All
of a sudden the baby falls on a hard surface from the cushion of mama's womb and it sits on the
ground. The first thing mama does is to get behind the baby and gives him a hard kick. The baby gets
up but his legs are weak and wobbly and the baby falls down. Mama goes behind again and gives him
one more kick. The baby gets up but sits down again. Mama keeps kicking till the baby gets on its feet
and a starts moving. Why? Because mama knows that the only chance of survival for the baby in the
Jungle is to get on its feet. Otherwise, it will be eaten up by the wild cats and become dead meat.
Children brought up in a loving, discipline environment end up respecting their parents more
and become low abiding citizens. The reverse is just as true. Good parents are not afraid of monetary
dislikes by children to enforce the subject. Allowing a child to eat a box of chocolate could lead to
sickness. At the same time, the discipline of eating one or two pieces a day can be an enjoyable
experience for a longer time. Our instinct makes us to do whatever we want regardless of the
consequences. Freedom is not procured by full enjoyment of what is desired but the controlling of the
desire.
(a) The passage argues that freedom comes from? 1
(i) unrestricted enjoyment of desires.
(ii) controlling one’s desires
(iii) following one’s instincts
(iv) ignoring the consequences of one’s action

(b) What do you think, why a mama giraffe kicks her baby immediately after birth? 1

(c) Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a characteristic of discipline? 1
(i) Loving
(ii) Firmness
(iii) Prevention
(iv) Imposition

(d) Children brought up in a loving, disciplined environment end up..... 1
(i) being indiscipline
(ii) being quarrelsome
(iii) respecting their parents more and become law abiding citizens.
(iv) None of these.

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(e) Select the correct option and write in your answer-book: 1
(i) In the given passage, the word ‘consequence’ means-
(1) sharp (2) result
(3) control (4) demand
(ii) The opposite of the word ‘familiar’ is- 1
(1) manage (2) unfamiliar
(3) appears (4) function

Passage 2
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
The term “herd behaviour” comes from the behaviour of animals in herds, particularly when they are
in a dangerous situation such as escaping a predator. All of the animals band closely together in a
group and, in panic mode, move together as a unit. It is very unusual flora member of the herd to stray
from the movement of the unit.

The term also applies to human behaviour, and it usually describes large numbers of people acting the
same way at the same time. It often has a connotation of irrationality, as people’s actions are driven by
emotion rather than by thinking through a situation. Human herd behaviour can be observed at large-
scale in demonstrations, riots, strikes, religious gatherings, sports events, and outbreaks of mob
violence. When herd behaviour sets in, an individual person’s judgment and opinion forming process
shut down as he or she automatically follows the group’s movement and behaviour.

Herd behaviour in humans is frequently observed at times of danger and panic; for example, a fire in a
building often causes herd behaviour, with people often suspending their individual reasoning and
fleeing together in a pack. People in a crisis that requires escape will attempt to move faster than
normal, copy the actions of others, interact physically with each other, and ignore alternative strategies
in favour of following the mass escape trend.

A more obvious example of human herd behaviour occurs in dense public crowds or mobs. Crowds
that gather because of a grievance or protest can involve herding behaviour that becomes violent.
Psychologists posits that a “group mind” can overtake a mob and embolden people to act in ways they
would not individually, increasing the likelihood that situations become violent.

a) The term “herd behaviour" originates from which of the following? 1
i) Human actions during sports events
ii) The behaviour of animals in herds
iii) Riots and mob violence
iv) Public gatherings
b) Choose the best option that causes mob violence according to psychologists: 1
i) Individual reasoning
ii) Group mind
iii) Alternative strategies
iv) Physical interaction
c) Which of the following best explains why individual reasoning is often suspended during herd
behaviour in humans? 1
(i) People consciously choose to rely on others’ decisions.
(ii) Emotional responses override logical thinking.

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(iii) There is always a lack of alternative escape route.
(iv) People fear punishment for acting independently.
d) Briefly explain how herd behaviour contributes to mob violence? 1
e) How does the concept of herd behaviour apply to both animals and humans? Justify with
examples from the passage. 2

Passage 3
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
Nature has a holy plan, said William Wordsworth .Night follows the day and winter follows autumn
.When spring comes it will be pleasant everywhere, nature putting on a new garb: trees blooming,
swarms of bees and butterflies hopping from flower to flower and collecting nectar. When once the
spring goes and winter comes, there cannot be this riot of colours and the joy of beauty, certainly not
for months to come. If the bee misses this spring and fails to collect the nectar, its larder will remain
empty.

So, we must make hay while the sun shines. When the sky is overcast with clouds or when there is
heavy downpour, we cannot make hay. We can make it only when there is sunshine. We can strike
only when the iron is hot. When the iron becomes cold, there is no use of striking it, however hard it
may be. So, we must do things at the right time. If once we postpone, only regret will remain.

To delay in work is the thief of the time. A little delay does not matter, we tell ourselves and
postpone. Finally, it becomes a trait and we fail miserably in life .As students we cannot pass well in
our examination, as a fresher we fail to secure proper placement in life and as adults we lag behind in
the race of life and finally we grow weak and old.

a) Which of the following best reflects the author’s overall message? 1
(i) Nature is a powerful force that humans cannot control.
(ii) Time is valuable resource that should be used wisely
(iii) Hard work and success always pays off
(iv) It is important to appreciate the beauty of nature.

b) What does Wordsworth’s statement “Nature has a holy plan” suggests about his view on
nature? 1
(i) It highlights his concern about the impact of human activity on the environment.
(ii) It emphasizes on scientific discoveries on ecological system.
(iii) It indicates nature’s destructive powers and unpredictable forces.
(iv) It reflects his belief that nature is a divine creation with inherited goodness and
purpose.
c) “Make hay while sunshine” can be categorized as: 1
(i) statement
(ii) idiom
(iii) proverb
(iv) (ii)&(iii)both

d) What is the main idea that the proverb “strike the iron when it is hot” illustrate in the passage?
1

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(i) There importance of seizing opportunity and acting promptly.
(ii) The need to plan carefully before undertaking any task.
(iii) The connection between physical labor and success.
(iv) The futility of attempting tasks when conditions are favorable.

e) Which word in the passage means “a room for storage”? 1
i) Riot
ii) Larder
iii) Garb
iv) None of these

f) What are the negative consequences of delaying work? 1

Passage 4
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
Where there is sterling faith and uncompromising purity there is health, there is success and there is
power. In such a man, disease, failure and disaster can find no lodgment, for there is nothing on which
they can feed.
The sooner we realize and acknowledge that sickness is the result of our own error or sin, the sooner
shall we enter upon the highway of health. Disease comes to those who attract it, to those whose minds
and bodies are receptive to it and flees from those whose strong, pure and positive thought-sphere
generates healing and life-giving currents.
If you are given to anger, worry, jealousy, greed or any other inharmonious state of mind and expect
perfect physical health, you are expecting the impossible for you are continuously sowing the seeds of
disease in your mind. Such conditions of mind are carefully shunned by the wise man, for he knows
them to be far more dangerous than a bad drain or an infected house.
If you would be free from all physical aches and pains, then you would enjoy perfect physical harmony
and can put your mind in order and harmonies your thoughts. Joyful thoughts; let the elixir of goodwill
course through your veins, and you will need no other medicine. Put away your jealousies, your
suspicions, your worries, your hatreds, your selfish indulgences, and you will put away your
dyspepsia, your biliousness, your nervousness and aching joints. If you will persist in clinging to these
debilitating and demoralizing habits of mind, then do not complain when your body is laid low with
sickness.
(a) Why does the wiseman shun inharmonious state of mind? 1

(b) According to the passage, which option best describes the relationship between the following
statements, 1
(1) Mostly we are responsible for our own sickness.
(2) Diseases come to those who attract it.

(i) (2) gives a reason for (1)
(ii) (1) is the opposite of (2)
(iii) (2) is a fact, and (1) is an opinion
(iv) (2) is the wrong explanation of (1)

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(c) How does good mental health contribute to good physical health? 1
(d) What is the elixir of goodwill? 1
(e) According to the passage, what will happen when you are free from all physical pains and aches? 1
(i) You will experience mental chaos.
(ii) You will enjoy perfect mental harmony.
(iii) You will attract diseases.
(iv) You will need other form of medicines.
(f) Which of the following sentences correctly conveys the meaning of the word ‘continue’ by using a
synonym? 1
(i) His persistent efforts ensure his success.
(ii) He halts his journey after an incident.
(iii) He abandoned his plans due to unforeseen circumstances.
(iv) He ceases all the activity till noon.
(g) Select the correct option and write in your answer book- 1X2=2
(i) In given passage, the word ‘Receptive’ means-
1. Sickness 3. Condition
2. Disease 4. Ready to receive
(ii) The opposite of the word ‘Deny’ given in passage is-
1. Acknowledge 3. Refuse
2. Anger 4. Reject
Passage 5
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
The Himalayas are beautiful mountains to the north of India. They stretch for two thousand miles
from Kashmir to Assam. Some of the world’s highest peaks are in the Himalayas. The highest peak is
Mt. Everest. The top of the mountains are covered with snow throughout the year. Therefore we can
call them the Himalayas or the abode of snow. There are many beautiful lakes and forest in the
Himalayas. Many passes connect India with Tibet, Turkistan and Afganistan. Many rivers, the Ganga,
the Yamuna, the Brahmaputra and the Beas flow from these mountains. The climate and the scenery of
these mountains are so charming that people have built many hill stations for pleasure and relaxation.

(a) Why do we call the Himalayas the ‘adobe of snow’? 1
(i) because they are tallest mountain in the world.
(ii) because the peaks are covered with snow throughout the year.
(iii) because many rivers originate from Himalayas.
(iv) because they have many beautiful lakes.

(b) Why do people build hill stations? 1
(i) to promote trade and commerce.
(ii) to connect with Himalayan tribes.
(iii) to enjoy climate and scenic beauty of mountains.
(iv) to establish military base.

(c) Which of the following sentences conveys the correct meaning of the word ‘passes’ as used in
the passage? 1
(i) Can you please pass me that bottle?
(ii) I passed in the examination.

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(iii) Darma pass is very popular among trekkers.
(iv) I have four passes of the concert.

(d) Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage? 1
(i) Descriptive
(ii) Argumentative
(iii) Critical
(iv) Narrative
(e) According to the passage, how do the Himalayas influence the climate and water supply in
India? 2

Passage 6
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
a) Animals are great builders using simple materials but employing sound engineering principles.
The webs of spiders provide the most vivid examples of animal structures built entirely in
tension. Spider web silk is so strong that many species of birds use it to build their nests. It has
a stiffness index which is 30 times less than that of steel. Unlike steel, silk stretches to more
than twice its original length before breaking. These qualities are owing to silk being a protein
polymer of crystalline regions interspersed with legions of randomly arranged chains.
Beavers are natural engineers. They use tree branches to construct dams, the divided end being
pressed into the walls: this apparently serves to collect stress from a broad area and to focuses
it into a single trunk embedded in the substrata of the stream.
Constructing a very thick wall is uneconomical. Strength could also be provided to a thin
wall by buttresses or by making the base wide: The nest of the termite Amitemes Meridionalis
is more than two metres high with a wide base which tapers at the top. This ensures greater
resistance to shear forces.
a) Name the engineers of nature discussed in the passage? 1
b) Discuss what do we learn about the webs of spiders? 1
c) What engineering principle is demonstrated by the way beavers construct their dams? 1
(i) They stress onto a single point.
(ii) They distribute stress over a broad area.
(iii) They use complex joinery techniques.
(iv) They build perfectly vertical walls.

d) What is primary function of a termite mound, according to the passage? 1
(i) To serve as a hunting ground.
(ii) To regulate the internal environment.
(iii) To attract mates.
(iv) To store food.

e) Which of the following phrases uses “vivid” in a way that is most similar to its use in the
passage? 1
(i) The artist used vivid colours in her painting.
(ii) The memory of the accidents was still vivid in her mind.
(iii) The scientist gave a vivid description of the experiment.
(iv) The fabric had a vivid pattern.

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f) According to the passage, which of the following sentence correctly uses an antonym of
‘narrow’? 1
(i) The wall of this palace is quite thick.
(ii) Her perspective on the issue was quite limited.
(iii) He carefully pruned the overgrown branches.
(iv) The artist’s focus was intensely concentrated.

g) “Beavers are natural engineers”, justify the statement with reference to the passage? 2
h) Complete the analogy with ONE word from the paragraph. 1
spider’s web:stiffness:: termite’s Amitemes Meridionalis : ……………
(i) tension (ii) flexibility
(iii) buttresses (iv) shear resistance

Passage 7
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
Power foods are foods that provide rich levels of nutrients like fibre, potassium and minerals. With
people becoming increasingly health conscious today, a lot of fitness trainers encourage their clients
to include these foods in their daily diet to increase muscle development. There are various ways of
incorporating power foods in your daily diet. Of course, the key to enjoying power foods is proper
preparation of these foods, the use of season-fresh foods, and identifying your choice of flavour
among power foods.

Some of the recommended power food combinations are those that are prepared in our kitchens on a
regular basis. Take for instance, the combination of chickpeas and onions. This combination is a
powerful source of iron which is required by the body to transport oxygen to its various parts. Iron
deficiencies can lead to anaemia, fatigue, brain fog and tiredness. A study by the Journal of
Agricultural and Food Chemistry says that sulphur compounds in onion and garlic help in the
absorption of iron and zinc from chickpeas. The combination is a hit with teenagers who need t o be
diligent about getting iron in their diet quick way to prepare this power food is to make a chickpea
salad with chopped onions, chaat masala and cilantro.

Another favourite combination with power food takers is yoghurt and bananas. This makes for a
perfect snack after a rough game of football Exercising burns glucose and thus lowers blood sugar.
Yoghurt is packed with proteins that help preserve muscle mass and bananas are packed with
carbohydrates that help in refueling energy and preventing muscle soreness. A quick and easy recipe
with bananas is a banana smoothie topped with cool yoghurt.
Among beverages, green tea is the best source of catechism that are effective in halting oxidative
damage to cells. According to researchers at the Purdue University, adding a dash of lemon juice
to green tea makes the catechism even more easily absorbable by the body. So, the next time you
have friends serve them rounds of iced green tea with mint and lemon juice?

(a)Choose the best option why fitness trainer prefers power food. 1
(i) To increase muscle development.
(ii) to prevent injuries
(iii) to provide good taste
(iv) to do the rapid fat loss.
(b) Give the appropriate title for the above passage. 1
(c)List two advantages of power foods. 2

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(d) What is the main idea of the passage? 1
(i) Power foods are new trends in dieting.
(ii) Power foods are essential for building muscle mass.
(iii) Power foods, when combined and prepared correctly, can provide significant health benefits.
(iv) Power foods are only effective for athletes.
(e) Compare power foods and junk food in the present context of lifestyle. 2
(f) Justify the awareness and importance of power food among the young children for their sound
health. 2

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English
Class 10th
Creative Writing Skills
Letter Writing

1. Considering the potential benefits of extracurricular activities, write a persuasive letter to your
father asking for permission to join picnic organised by your school. You are Mohan/Meena. 6
2. Refer to the given context and answer the questions that follow. 6

You are Prem/Prerna, a resident of 20 Ashok Vihar Haridwar. Write a letter to the Chairman of
Municipal Corporation to get removed a heap of garbage lying in your locality & spreading
disease.
(a) Which of the following option is the most appropriate subject for the given letter?
(i) Complaint against removing garbage from our locality.
(ii) Request for the removal of an open heap of garbage from my locality.
(iii) Complaint about an open heap of garbage that is not spreading diseases in my
locality.
(iv) Subject is not required for this type of letter.
(b) Which of the following is the most suitable opening line for the letter.
(i) Through the esteemed column of your newspaper.
(ii) Respectfully, I beg to say that.
(iii) I want to say that
(iv) Respectfully, I would like to bring to your kind attention that.
(c) What should be the most appropriate tone for the letter?
(i) Aggressive and demanding
(ii) Causal and funny
(iii) Formal yet respectful
(iv) Apologetic and submissive.
(d) What should be the most appropriate action to take after writing the letter?
(i) Forget about it hope the problem goes away,
(ii) Send the letter and keep a copy of your records.
(iii) Post the letter on social media to shame the Municipal Corporation.
(iv) Call the Municipal Corporation.
(e) Which of the following details are important to include in the letter?
(i) Praising for Municipal Corporation.
(ii) What you studied about garbage at school.
(iii) Measures to eradicate this problem.
(iv) Your home garbage issues.
(f) Pick the irrelevant information regarding the letter-
(a) I went to market last evening, it was not clean.
(b) The heap of garbage is spreading diseases.
(c) Your favourite garbage collection method.
(d) The urgency of resolving the issue.
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3. Answer the questions given below using the provided context.
You are Amit /Anita resident of Lala Bazar Almora .Write a letter to the Superintendent of
Police district Almora complaining about frequent cases of theft and chain snatching in your
locality. 6
(a) Which of the following is the correct sequence of the occurrence of the given lines in the
letter?
(i) I hope you will take stringent actions to curb this problem.
(ii) I would like to bring this matter to your kind attention.
(iii) The problem of chain snatching and theft is increasing day by day.
(iv) Night patrolling should be increased.
1. (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) 2. (ii), (iii), (iv),(i) 3. (iii), (iv), (i), (ii) 4. (iv), (i), (ii), (iii)

(b) What is a salutation in a letter?
(i) Salutation refers to closing line of the letter.
(ii) Salutation refers to the opening line of the letter.
(iii) Both (i) & (ii)
(iv) None of the above

(c) Which approach should one NOT follow while writing the given letter?
(i) Clarity and consciousness
(ii) Formal tone.
(iii) Optimistic and problem solving
(iv) Argumentative and abusive
(d) Which of the following newspaper headlines is NOT related to the given letter?
(i) “New laws to be implemented for minor theft”
(ii) “Mr. XYZ is our new superintendent”
(iii) “Chain snatching in broad daylight”
(iv) “Theft and chain snatching increasing in Almora”
(e) Pick out the grammatically correct line for the letter above?
(i) I hope you will take swift actions to ensure the safety of the residents of Lala Bazar.
(ii) I hope that you will take swift action to ensure the safety and security of the
residents of Lala Bazar.
(iii) I hope that you will takes swift action to ensure the safety and security of the
residents of Lala Bazar.
(iv) I hope you will take swift action to ensures the safety and security of the residents
of Lala Bazar.
(f) Which closing is punctuated correctly?
(i) Yours faithfully.
(ii) Your’s faithfully,
(iii) Yours, faithfully,
(iv) Yours faithfully,
4. You are Nishant/ Nisha, a regular customer of Amazon who recently purchased a

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product from the online store. Upon delivery of the product, you found that it was damaged.
Write a letter to the customer care service, requesting for a refund or replacement of the
product. 6
5. You are Neela/Nimesh, Referring to the chapter ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’,
write a letter to your friend about Nelson Mandela’s struggle for freedom. 6
6. You are Reema/ Ramesh. Write a letter to your mother and ask her that how she felt when you
took your first step. 6
7. You are Mona / Manav, Referring to the chapter ‘Glimpses of India’, write a letter to your
father about the Culture of Goa. 6
8. You are Sumit / Sunita. You want to take your pet on a plane. Write a letter to the airline’s pet
travel department or flight instructor, requesting permission. 6
9. You are Meena / Mukesh, and you recently returned from a trip to a location that significantly
challenged your preconceived notions about culture, environment, or society. Write a letter to
your friend describing how these insights might lead to personal or societal change. 6
10. You are Neena / Nitin. Write a letter to the executive engineer of archaeology to get the
information and importance of ‘Bodhi tree’. 6
11. You are Meena / Mukesh. Write a letter to your friend telling him/her about the customs of
marriage in your society. 6
12. You are Ramesh/ Radha, living in a hostel at The Paradise School, Uttarakhashi. Write a letter
to your father telling him about your progress in studies. 6
13. You are Rahul/Reeta, an aware resident of Raipur Dehradun. Write a letter in about120 words
to the Project Head of the E-Waste Management Cell at IT Park, Dehradun, highlighting the
harmful effects of e-waste pollution and also provide solution for managing e-waste to save the
environment. 6

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English
Class 10th
Creative Writing Skills
Paragraph Writing
Write a paragraph in about 60 words on anyone of the following - 4
1) Morning Assembly at your school
2) Safe uses of Internet
3) Role of discipline in your life.
4) Morning Walk
5) Hill Climbing or Mountaineering
6) National Festival
7) Population Growth a curse or boon
8) Life of a villager
9) Forests are our friends
10) The Importance of Teamwork
11) The Role of Technology in Education
12) Agriculture
13) Freedom in Democracy
14) Diary Entry of your Daily Routine
15) 'The Life experience of a 14 years girl or boy’
16) Art of Making Friends
17) Life of a Pader (Baker) in Goa.
18) Experience to have a pet.
19) Your Views about Saving Money
20) The importance of spirituality
21) Value of a good library.
22) Gifts of nature.
23) Importance of trees
24) Avisit to a zoo
25) Importance of games
26) Pollution
27) Marriage ceremonies in an Indian society.

Hint based Paragraph Writing

1. Write a paragraph in about 80 words on ‘My idea of a successful life’ on the basis of hints given
below- 5

My idea of successful life is........................ Success might be different for each one of
us...............we strive to get our target.............. Where parents feel proud on us...............

2. On the basis of hints given below, write a paragraph in about 80 words on "Favourite Subject".
5
Hints: English is………. reading and writing………. international language………. English is
used………. it's origin………. benefits of English………. area of English………. job
providing……….
3. On the basis of the hints given below, write a paragraph in about 80 words on A flood Scene.

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5
Date, month and place---heavy rain-over foaming river ,nullah, ponds, roads and everywhere---
village/towns surrounded by water-hardships faced by people---arrangement by district
administration or disaster management
4. On the basis of the hints given below, write a paragraph on "A Day without Electricity" in about 80 words.
5
Hints: No lights or fans…Difficulty in using appliances….Challenges in daily activities…..Increased
dependence on natural light…..Importance of electricity in modern life.

5. On the basis of the hints given below, write a paragraph in about 80 words on "Obey Traffic Rules". 5

Hints: Scooterists/motor cyclists- to wear helmets-motorists- to use seat-belts, not to exceed speed
limits-children-not to paly on the road-pedestrians- to use zebra crossings-Bus users-never to
board/aligh from a moving bus.

6. On the basis of the hints given below .Write a paragraph on “ A Visit to a Book Fair” in about 80
words 5
Hints- Book fair……place…day/date….different books….under one roof…. world of
books…books are storehouse of knowledge…books fair not to be missed.

7. The following table shows details about the internet activities for six categories for different age
groups. Write an analytical paragraph for the table given in around 100 words. 5
Internet Activities by different Age Group
Activity % Teens 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s
Watch 5 10 15 20 30 50 50
News
Online 40 50 20 10 10 0 0
Games
Downloads 20 10 15 20 10 10 10
Product 10 5 10 15 20 10 10
Research
Buying a 20 15 20 15 10 0 0
Product
Searching 5 10 20 20 20 30 30
for People

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Section C- Grammar

Forms of Non-Finites

1. Fill in the blanks as directed to complete the story. 8

Riya loves ……..(infinitive). She spends hours ……. (gerund) ideas before she starts
……. (gerund) on the canvas. One day, while ………(present participle) through the park,
she saw children ……….(present participle) joyfully. Inspired by their laughter, she
decided ……… (infinitive) that moment in her next artwork. Her dream is
…….(infinitive) a renowned artist, known for ………. (gerund) real-life emotions.

2. Complete the given university announcement by selecting the correct options. 1
The University is going............. (Hold) our examination in the first week of June.

(a) Hold (b) to hold (c) held (d) to beheld

Sentence Connectors

1. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option. 4

a) The scientist meticulously documented every step of the experiment; __________, the
results were inconclusive.
(i) therefore
(ii) however
(iii) moreover
(iv) consequently
b) She studied diligently for the exam:____________,she felt confident about her chances
of success.
(i) despite
(ii) as a result
(iii) in contrast
(iv) although
c) The company’s profit increases significantly;_________, they invested in new equipment
and expanded their workforce.
(i) furthermore
(ii) hence
(iii) whereas
(iv) otherwise
d) He claimed to be an expert in this field;______,his arguments were filled with
inaccuracies.
(i) indeed
(ii) nevertheless
(iii) similarly
(iv) therefore

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2. Complete the story by choosing correct connectors from the box given below: 5

as a result although consequently after all nevertheless

Maya was excited about her new job. She arrived early on her first day;__________, she
wanted to make a good impression. She quickly learned her task;_________,she asked her
colleagues for help whenever needed. The workload was challenging;____________, she
remained enthusiastic and determined. Maya’s hard work paid off;_________,her supervisor
praised her during the team meeting. She felt proud on her achievements;__________,she
was motivated to continue giving her best.

3. Rewrite each sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the original sentence, using the
word given. 5
a) Although she was tired, she finished the race. (DESPITE)
b) It is likely that he will arrive late. (PROBABLY)
c) They haven't been to Italy before. (FIRST TIME)
d) "Did you break the window?" asked the teacher. (ACCUSED)
e) As soon as I finished my work, I went to bed. (UNTIL)

Correct form of Verbs

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs given in the brackets. 1 each

a. The train _____ (arrives/arrived) at the station before we reached.
b. She ______ (write/writes) a letter to her friend every weekend.
c. I ___________ (discover/discovered) as a young man that my freedom had already been
____________ (Take/taken) from me.
d. "Paper has more patience than people" I ____________ (thought/think) of this. When I
was ___________ (feel/felt) a little depressed and was ____________(sit/sat) at home. I
finally____________(satyed/stay) there.
e. A big cat……………(ate/eat) up her canary before. He ……………..(came/come) back to the
room. She……………………(love/loved).
f. He___________ (speaks/speak)three languages fluently.
g. Drivers_________ (shall/should)wear helmets for their safety.
h. Some children ……….(play/plays) in the garden.
i. Children………(complete/completed) their home work.
j. Little has not yet………(finish/finished) his assignment.

Suitable Modals
1. Choose the most appropriate option to complete the following sentence. 1

a. _____ you lend me your book for a few days?
(i) Will
(ii) Shall

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(iii) would
(iv) Will be
b. We ____ leave early tomorrow to catch the train on time. 1
(i) have to
(ii) will be
(iii) will
(iv) ought to
c. Mother said that we -------go and see the match. 1
(i) should
(ii) could
(iii) must
(iv) will

d. I__________ still recall the typical fragrance of leaf. 1
(i) over
(ii) should
(iii) will
(iv) must

e. The fire in those furnaces ___________not yet been extinguished . 1
(i) must
(ii) should
(iii) could
(iv) may

f. He________ speak three languages fluently. 1
(i) will
(ii) could
(iii) would
(iv) ought to
g. Drivers_________ wear helmets for their safety. 1
(i) will
(ii) should
(iii) would
(iv) could
h. Employees……….be at their desks by 10 a.m. 1
(i) must
(ii) could
(iii) should
(iv) will

Sentence Transformation
1. Rearrange the following words to form a meaningful passive voice sentence: 5

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a. cake / baked / by /her/ was / the
b. yesterday/ the /letter / delivered/ was
c. submitted/ be/the/will/ report/ tomorrow/?
d. broken / had been/ storm /before/ the/ window/the
e. the /was /corrected/by /teacher / mistake/the
2. Choose the correct option to convert the given active voice sentence into passive voice.
Active voice: Did you complete the home work? 1
(i) homework was complete by you.
(ii) was the home work completed by you?
(iii) the home work was completed by me?
(iv) You completed the homework?

3. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows. 3
Student: May I come in, sir?
Headmaster: Yes, come in.
Student: Good morning, sir.
Headmaster: Good morning. How may I help you?
Student: Sir, I am here to collect my transfer certificate.
Headmaster: “Ok. That would be with the head clerk in the administrative
office.
The student asked the head master for permission to enter. The head master
(a) ………come in. The student then wished the headmaster a good morning. The
headmaster responded by wishing the student a good morning and (b)………… . The
student explained that he needed to collect his transfer certificate. The headmaster
informed him that(c) ……………

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SECTION D (TEXT BOOK)

Passage 1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
I knew that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away
another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred. He is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow
mindedness. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am
not free when my freedom is taken away from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed
of their humanity.

a) What is the theme of the above passage? 1
b) The relationship between "oppressor" and "oppressed" is one of power and control. Which
word best completes the following analogy, maintaining a similar relationship: 1
oppressor : oppressed :: liberator : ______?
c) ‘He is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow mindedness.’
In the above lines prejudice can be replaced with. 1
(i) Loving (ii) relenting (iii) unbiased (iv) hatred
d) What message is the author trying to convey about the importance of human rights and
equality? 1

Passage 2
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. Monthly accounts used to be recorded
on some wall in pencil. Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days. The baker and his
family never starved. He, his family and his servants always looked happy and prosperous. Their
plump physique was an open testimony to this. Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical
appearance is easily compared to a baker.

a) According to the passage, if someone is of plump physique, it means: 1
(i) He is suffering from obesity.
(ii) He is happy and prosperous.
(iii) He is not doing well.
(iv) He is engaged in an unprofitable business.
b) Which of the following options best describes the life of a Goan bakers in the old days : 1
(i) Penurious (ii) Affluent (iii) Indisposed (iv) Emaciated
c) What word in the passage means the opposite of “Skinny”? 1
(i) jackfruit (ii) compared (iii) recorded (iv) plump
d) How does the description of the Goan bakers’ physique in the passage reflect their overall
life and profession? 1

Passage 3
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than willing to recount numerous
tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in

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the Indian Army, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa was a Coorgi. Even now,
Kodavus are the only people in Indian permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

a) Why is the tradition of recounting tales of valour significant in Coorgi culture? 1
b) What makes the Coorgi regiment unique in Indian Army? 1
c) What does the privilege of carrying firearms without a licence signify about Kodavus? 1
d) What does valour refer to in the context of the paragraph? 1
(i) Generosity
(ii) Bravery in battle
(iii) Leadership qualities
(iv) Military tradition

Passage 4
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Kisa Gotami became weary and hopeless and sat down at the wayside watching the lights of the city,
as they flickered up and were extinguished again. At last the darkness of the night reigned
everywhere. And she considered the fate of men that their lives flicker up and are extinguished again.
And she thought to herself, “How selfish am I in my grief. Death is common to all; yet in this valley
of desolation there is a path that leads him to immortality who has surrendered all selfishness.

a) How did the lights of the city reflect Kisa Gotami’s understanding of the life? 1

b) What aspect of her grief did Kisa Gotami find selfish in nature? 1

(i) She was focused on her own sorrow rather than understanding that death is universal.
(ii) She failed to express her sorrow openly.
(iii) She was indifferent to the sufferings of others.
(iv) She didn’t mourn on her son death deeply enough.

c) What is the ‘path that leads to immortality’? 1
(i) seeking eternal life
(ii) surrendering selfishness
(iii) overcoming fear
(iv) helping underprivileged

d) What deeper meaning can be inferred from the statement, "Death is common to all; yet in this
valley of desolation there is a path that leads him to immortality who has surrendered all
selfishness"? 1
(i) Immortality is achieved through physical survival after death.
(ii) True immortality comes from selflessness, transcending personal desires and ego.
(iii) Death is the only certainty in life, and immortality is irrelevant.
(iv) The path to immortality is marked by wealth and material success.

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Passage 5
Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow:
Lencho was a man of strong faith, for him God was not an abstract belief but a concrete, physical
presence. He went about his work and his life the assurance of one who knows that God is always
watching over him.

a) Which of these best summaries Lencho’s belief in God? 1
(i) He has strong disbelief that God can’t be everywhere.
(ii) He knows that God is watching over him.
(iii) He wants to meet God one day
(iv) God is a spiritual being for him.
b) Which sentence uses the word “abstract” correctly? 1
(i) Lencho’s belief in God was abstract, as he rarely prayed.
(ii) For Lencho, God was not an abstract belief, but a physical presence.
(iii) Lencho's thoughts on the situation were abstract.
(iv) Lencho believed in abstract things like happiness and peace.
c) According to the extract, Lencho can be described as: 1
(i) atheist
(ii) theist
(iii) agnostic
(iv) fudamentalist
d) What is the theme of this passage? 1

Passage 6
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
The day before all day long he had watched his parents flying about with his brothers and sister,
perfecting them in the art of flight, teaching them how to skim the waves and how to dive fish. He
had in fact seen his brother catch his first herring and devour it standing on a rock while his parents
circled raising a proud cackle.

a) “He had in fact seen his brother catch his first herring and devour it standing on a rock while
his parents circled raising a proud cackle.

‘ How might this scene influenced the young seagull? 1

(i) Increases his fear of flying
(ii) Decreases his self-esteem
(iii) Encourage him to try his first flight
(iv) Make him jealous of his brother

b) What activity were the young seagull’s parents engaged in? 1
(i) Preparing their children for life experience
(ii) Playing with kids
(iii) Enjoying sea life

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(iv) Hunting fish only
c) What is the significance of the word ‘proud crackle’ in the above passage? 1
(i) it shows celebration over fear
(ii) it shows their dancing skills
(iii) it shows they are starving
(iv) it shows teasing someone with the act.

d) Which of the following sentence conveys correct meaning of the word ‘devour’? 1
(i) She read the book so quickly that it seemed like she wanted to devour every page.
(ii) The lion was devouring it’s pray slowly and carefully.
(iii) He devoured the landscape with his eyes, admiring the beauty of landscape.
(iv) All of the above

Passage 7
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
I started right away at the Montessori nursery School. I stayed there until I was six, at which time I
started in the first form. In the sixth form my teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress. At the end
of the year we were both in tears as we said a heart breaking farewell.

a) According to the passage, which of the following options is correct ? 1
(i) In the beginning, the speaker didn’t like Mrs Kuperus.
(ii) Mrs Kuperus was a strict woman.
(iii) At the end of the year, they both knew each other very well.
(iv) Mrs Kuperus had been teaching her since the first form.

b) What does the mention of "heartbreaking farewell" suggest about the teacher's role in the
speaker's life? 1
(i) Mrs. Kuperus was just another teacher.
(ii) The teacher played a significant role in shaping the speaker’s early years.
(iii) The speaker felt relieved to leave Mrs. Kuperus.
(iv) The farewell was emotional only for the teacher, not the speaker.

c) Which of the following words can replace ‘form’ in the above passage? 1
(i) Section
(ii) Class
(iii) Fraction
(iv) Part

d) What can you infer about the speaker’s personality from the passage? 1
(i) The speaker disliked changes in her life.
(ii) The speaker was indifferent to the emotions.
(iii) The speaker was a brilliant student
(iv) The speaker formed connection with people.

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Passage 8
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
He would greet the lady of the house with “Good morning” and then place his basket on the vertical
bamboo. We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke, and the loaves would be delivered to
the servant. But we would not give up. We would climb a bench or the parapet and peep into the
basket, somehow. I can still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. Loaves for the elders and the
bangles for the children.

a) The author’s description of the bread seller routine suggests : 1
(i) A new and unfamiliar experience for the author.
(ii) A chaotic and unorganised system of bread delivery.
(iii) Author’s hatred for the vendors.
(iv) A distant and familiar relationship with the bread seller and the household.

b) According to the passage, a bangle is a: 1
(i) circular ring like bread
(ii) jewellery for girls
(iii) sweet candy for children
(iv) chocolate brand name
c) “I can still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves”
What can be concluded from the statement above?
(i) every food has a particular fragrance.
(ii) fragrance can be remembered.
(iii) one can taste food while recalling it
(iv) a person never forgets his/her childhood
d) "Which of the following sentences conveys the correct meaning of the phrase ‘mild rebuke’
as used in the passage?" 1
(i) The children were gently scolded but not in a harsh manner.
(ii) The children were scolded severely for their behaviour.
(iii) The children were ignored and not given any attention.
(iv) The children were praised for their curiosity.
e) What is similar to ‘Bread’ 1
(i) Cake (ii) loaf (iii) pastry (iv) candy

Passage 9
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Two days later, Mijbil escaped from my bedroom as I entered it, and I turned to see his tail
disappearing round the bend of the corridor that led to the bathroom. By the time I got there he was
up on the end of the bath tub and fumbling at the chromium taps with his paws. I watched, amazed;
in less than a minute he had turned the tap far enough to produce trickle of water, and after a moment
or two achieved the full flow.

a) Discuss the impact of Mijbil’s escape and his actions in the bedroom. 1
b) According to the passage, what can be inferred about Mij’s intelligence? 1

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c) What does the “chromium” refer to in the passage? 1
d) Statement 1: Mij loves water.
Statement 2: Mij was intelligent enough to open the water taps. 1
(i) Statement 1 is true
(ii) Statement 1 is false
(iii) Both are true
(iv) Both are false

Passage 10
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
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.

a) What was the full name of Valli? 1
b) How much time the bus passed through her street? 1
c) According to the passage, what was the most fascinating thing for Valli? 1
(i) The bus goes around the world each hour.
(ii) The bus travelled her village and the nearest town
(iii) The bus is not for elders
(iv) It never passed through her.
d) Which of these emotions cannot be applied on Valli’s current state of mind: 1
(i) Joyous and adventurous
(ii) curious and mischievous
(iii) composed and quiet
(iv) exciting and surprised

Passage 11
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
At about the age of twenty five, the Prince, heretofore shielded from the sufferings of the world,
while out hunting chanced upon a sick man, then an aged man, then a funeral procession and finally a
monk begging for alms. These sights so moved him that he at once became a begger and went out
into the world to seek enlightenment concerning the sorrows he had witnessed.
a) According to passage, what effects did those sights have on the prince’s mind? 1
(i) He went out to help needy.
(ii) He became restless and left all his pleasures in search of truth
(iii) He started begging in the street
(iv) He started hiding himself behind the palace walls.
b) Re-arrange the following events in the sequence that they occur in the extract. 1
(i) Prince encountered an aged man
(ii) Prince went out for hunting
(iii) Prince saw a monk begging for alms
(iv) Prince saw a sick man

1) (iv)-(iii)-(ii)-(i) 2) (iii)-(i)-(ii)-(iv)

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3) (ii)-(iv)-(i)-(iii) 4) (i)-(ii)-(iii)-(iv)

c) Which of the following best describes the prince decision to leave the world behind in search
of enlightenment? 1
(i) to escape from his responsibilities as a ruler
(ii) to seek deeper understanding of the world’s suffering
(iii) for a quest for more wealth and power
(iv) to express anger towards his parents and well-wishers
d) Which of the following sentences shows correct uses of the word ‘heretofore’: 1
(i) The book heretofore was interesting
(ii) He ran heretofore as fast as he could.
(iii) Heretofore, the cat sat patiently by the window
(iv) The chef, heretofore unknown, suddenly became a culinary sensation.

Passage 12
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Natalya Stepanovna is an excellent house keeper, not bad-looking, and well education. What more do
I want? But I’m getting a noise in my ears from excitement. And it’s impossible for me not to marry.
In the first place, I am already 35-a critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a
quiet and regular life.

a) Which of the following descriptions is true about Natalya Stepanova, according to the
passage: 1
(i) She doesn’t want to marry anyone.
(ii) She was good looking enough and could be an excellent housewife.
(iii) She was not truly educated but could read newspaper.
(iv) She was excited to get married.

b) According to the passage, why is it critical for Lomov to get married? 1
(i) He has no taste for married life.
(ii) He is not interested in Natalya.
(iii) He believes he is too old to get married
(iv) His life was far more adventurous and interesting

c) Based on the passage, can it be concluded that there is a right age for everything? Explain
whether you agree or disagree with this statement? 1
d) Select the option which best describes the relationship between the statements given below: 1
Statement 1: It was impossible for Lomov not to marry.
Statement 2: Lomov have societal pressures regarding age and stability.
(i) Statement 2 does not support Statement 1
(ii) Statement 2 explains the cause of Statement 1
(iii) Statement 2 contradicts Statement 1
(iv) Statement 2 and Statement 1 are not related
Passage 13
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

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It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the meaning of courage. Time and again, I
have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea. I have seen men stand up to attacks
and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned
that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does
not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

a) According to the passage, which of the following sentences does not convey correct meaning
of courage? 1
(i) It means being fearless.
(ii) It means showing strength and resilience.
(iii) It means conquering fear.
(iv) It means risking lives for ideas in which you believe.

b) What do you think, why Nelson Mandela chose to speak about courage on this historic day? 1
(i) To emphasize the significance of South Africa gaining freedom.
(ii) To reflect on his journey to becoming the first black President.
(iii) To highlight the challenges faced by South Africa during foreign conflicts.
(iv) To address the symbolic importance of rebuilding after the destruction of the
parliament.

c) What is the ability to cope with hardship and recover from its effect called? 1
(i) courage (ii) triumph (iii) resilience (iv) strength

d) Select the option which best describes the relationship between the statements given below: 1
Statement 1: The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
Statement 2: Bravery involves overcoming fear, even in the face of great challenges.
(v) Statement 2 does not support Statement 1
(vi) Statement 1 explains the cause of Statement 2
(vii) Statement 2 contradicts Statement 1
(viii) Statement 2 and Statement 1 are not related
Passage 13
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
The evening, after I finished the rest of my homework, the note about the essay caught my eye. I
began thinking about the subject while chewing the tip of my fountain pen. Anyone could ramble on
and leave big spaces between the words, but the trick was to come up with convincing arguments to
prove the necessity of talking. I thought and thought, and suddenly I had an idea. I wrote the three
pages Mr. Keesing had assigned me and was satisfied. I argued that talking is a student’s trait and
that I would do my best to keep it under control, but that I would never be able to cure myself of the
habit since my mother talked as much as I did if not more, and that there’s not much you can do
about inherited traits.

a) Why did the speaker chew the tip of her fountain pen? 1
(i) She was thinking about the convincing arguments for the essay.
(ii) She was starving.

8|Page

(iii) She was thinking, how to praise teachers.
(iv) She was thinking how to apologize for her mistakes.
b) According to the passage, which proverb best describes early signs of Anne Frank’s writing
skills. 1
(i) A bad workman quarrels with his tools.
(ii) A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
(iii) Shallow brooks are noisy.
(iv) Coming events cast their shadow before.
c) What does Anne’s use of humour and wit in her essay suggest about her personality? 1
d) According to the passage, what is ‘inherited traits’? 1
Passage 14
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
He felt certain that his wings would never support him; so he bent his head and ran away back to the
little hole under the ledge where he slept at night. Even when each of his brothers and his little sister,
whose wings were far shorter than his own, ran to the brink, flapped their wings, and flew away, he
failed to muster up courage to take that plunge which appeared to him so desperate.

a) Why did young seagull run back instead of trying to fly? 1
(i) He was too excited to fly.
(ii) He was afraid his wings would not support him.
(iii) He didn’t want to leave the ledge.
(iv) He didn’t want to follow his siblings.

b) Why did the young seagull not follow his brothers and his little sister? 1
c) Which of the following statements is NOT true about young seagull?
(i) He was jealous of his siblings
(ii) He felt despair at his siblings’ success and went back.
(iii) His fear was due to lack of courage.
(iv) He was afraid that his wings would not support him. 1

Passage 15
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
MIDWAY between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore sits a piece of heaven that must have
drifted from the kingdom of god. This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial
men, beautiful women and wild creatures. Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is
home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per
cent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of
joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers
thrown in for good measure.

a) The passage primarily aims to: 1
(i) Provide detailed history of Coorg
(ii) Describe the flaura and fauna of the Coorg
(iii) Persuade the reader to visit Coorg

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(iv) Compare Coorg to other hill station

b) Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage? 1
(i) provocative and disputable
(ii) Humorous and witty
(iii) Evocative and appreciative
(iv) Critical and analytical
c) According to the passage, which of the following season is referred to as ‘the season of joy’? 1
(i) The coffee harvesting season
(ii) The monsoon season
(iii) The season from the month of Sep to March
(iv) The season around Holi
d) Do you think “kingdom of god” and “rolling hills” are suitable descriptions for Uttarakhand also?
State your opinion with a reason. 1

Short Answer Type Questions

1) “The Proposal” is a conflict of egos. Explain 2
2) Analyze the underlying reasons for Lomov and Natalya’s constant argument. How do their
personalities contribute to the conflicts? 2
3) Evaluate the role of Chukov in resolving or escalating the conflict? What could he have done
differently to facilitate peace? 2
4) Natalya and Lomov argue over pitty issues. What does it suggest about human pride? Suggest one
way to address such behaviour. 2
5) If you were a mediator in the play how would you guide the character to resolve their conflicts?
Provide specific steps. 2
6) Discuss the importance of effective communication in resolving conflicts using examples from the
play The Proposal. Propose a better way Lomov and Natalya could have expressed their feelings.2
7) Frame a letter in your own words which Lencho would write to 'God'. 4
8) Write Lencho's struggle as a farmer in your own words. 4
9) What did you learn about fear and triumph over it from the chapter ‘First Flight’. 3
10) “Family members often rebuke you for your failure, but actually they want to encourage you.”
Discuss this statement in the context of the story ‘First Flight’? 2
11) Compare the Seagull's emotions with the tiger in the poem "A Tiger in the Zoo". 3
12) “Diary is a form of Self-realization.”Analyse this statement with reference to Anne Frank’s diary?
2
13) What conclusions can you draw about the social standing of Goan bakers after reading the story
‘Bakers of Goa’? 2
14) Illustrate the typical appearance and behaviour of a hawker in your society? 2
15) There is a growing trend of keeping non-traditional animals as pets. What are your opinions on
this practice? 2
16) What differences did you observe between Mij and typical household pets? 3
17) How does “Madam rides the bus” challenge the societal norms? 3

10 | P a g e

18) Share your experience how you manage your desires. 3
19) The story of the mustard seeds is relevant even today. How can this ancient story help us deal with
the loss and suffering in our modern lives? 2
20) Explain the responsive behaviour of young seagull in the chapter First Flight. 2
21) Distinguish the Present-day bread baking and the traditional bread baking on the basis of A
Baker from Goa. 2

Long Answer Type Questions

1) Why was Anne’s teacher annoyed with her? How was she able to bring about a change in his
attitude towards her? 5
2) Analyze the author's use of language and imagery to create a specific mood or atmosphere. How
does this contribute to the reader's emotional engagement with the story ‘Madam Rides the Bus’?5
3) Compare Lencho’s faith in God with the postmaster’s faith in humanity. How do these beliefs
shape their action? 5
4) Evaluate Mandela’s belief that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it? 5
5) In context of ‘First Flight’, discuss how fear of failure can impact one’s growth and learning. How
does the story suggest overcoming this fear? 5
6) The narrator describes how Mijbil brings joy and liveliness to his life. Evaluate how the presence
of an animal such as Mijbil can influence the emotional and mental well being of humans. 5
7) Synthesize the gems of innocence and maturity in the character of Valli. How does her journey
blend these two aspects of her character? 5
8) Lencho believed raindrops were new coins. Suppose coins actually fall from the sky as rain. 5
Describe the chaos among the people. 5
9) What things does Mij do which tell you that he is an intelligent, friendly and fun-loving
animal who needs love? 5
10) The postmaster impressed by Lencho’s faith in God. Do you find faith to be an impressive
quality? 5
11) “Mr Kessing was a strict teacher “, do you think this strictness made him a good teacher? 5
12) Maxwell says- “the air hostess was the very queen of her kind”. Analyze most of the air hostess
are very queen of her kind in their daily life? 5
13) The source of unending joy for Valli was the seight of the bus. List the source of joy in your daily
life? 5
14) “Death and suffering is all part of human life”, Justify the statement with reference to the chapter
‘The sermon at Benares’ 5
15) How does ‘the argument over oxen meadows’ contribute to the play's themes of marriage, social
class, and the absurdity of human conflict?" 5
16) How did the experience of oppression shape and redefine Mandela's 'hunger for freedom'? 5
17) The young seagull landed on the surface of the water and was welcomed by the member of his
family. Imagine when you achieve success in your life. How would your family welcome you? 5

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SECTION D (POETRY)

Text Book Poetry
1. Read the given extract and answer the questions.

Belinda lived in a little white house,
With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse,
And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,
And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.

a) List the adjectives used in the above stanza? 1
b) What does ‘realio trulio’ mean? 1
c) Which of these can be concluded after reading above stanza? 1
(i) Belinda mostly lived with animals.
(ii) All the animals in the house live together harmoniously.
(iii) Belinda’s house is described as white to show the peaceful nature of the creatures.
(iv) Contrasting colours are described in each line.

2. Read the given extract and answer the questions.

But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice is also great
And would suffice.

a) Which symbol is used to represent hate in the poem? 1
b) Why does poet prefer ice for destruction? 1
(i) ice symbolizes intense emotions and passion.
(ii) ice is the symbol of love and desire.
(iii) ice represents warmth and healing.
(iv) ice symbolizes coldness, indifference and emotional detachment.

c) Why is the word “twice” used in the above stanza? 1
(i) To suggest that world can be destroy at once.
(ii) To indicate destruction is impossible.
(iii) To emphasize that there are two different ways of destroying the world.
(iv) To emphasize two dimensions of the world.

3. Read the given extract and answer the questions.

Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice,
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.

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a) Why does the poet hold with those who favour fire instead of ice? 1
b) What does the phrase ‘tested of desire’ suggest about the speaker’s understanding of desire? 1
c) What is the significance of the phrase ‘some say’ in the poem? 1
i. It emphasizes the speaker’s certainty about the world’s end.
ii. It suggests that there are multiple view points about the world’s end.
iii. It introduces a personal opinion of the poet.
iv. It shows that the speaker has no strong opinion on the matter

4. Read the given extract and answer the questions.

The trees inside are moving out into the forest,
The forest that was empty all these days
Where no bird could sit
No insect hide
No sun bury its feet in shadow
The forest that was empty all these nights
Will be full of trees by morning.

(a) Why does the poet describe the forest as empty before the trees move in? 1
(b) What role do the trees play in transforming the forest in the poem? 1
(c) What does the phrase ‘the trees inside are moving out’ most likely symbolize? 1
i. Trees leaving the forest.
ii. Transformation or change.
iii. A natural disaster.
iv. Birds flying away.

5. Read the given extract and answer the questions
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree.

a) ‘The dust of snow’ stands for? 1
b) What does the crow symbolize in the above lines? 1
(i) The beginning of a storm.
(ii) An unexpected change in mood or perspective.
(iii) A sense of foreboding and doom.
(iv) The arrival of winter.
c) What can be concluded about the crow and the hemlock tree after reading the above lines? 1
(i) The crow and the hemlock tree are the symbol of beauty and innocence.
(ii) The crow and the hemlock tree are associated with darkness and mystery.
(iii) The crow and the hemlock tree represent poet’s emotion.
(iv) The crow and the hemlock tree represent arrival of winter.

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6. Read the given extract and answer the questions

Don’t bite your nails Amanda!
Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight Amanda!

a) What is the purpose of exclamation mark at the end of each line? 1
(i) To express strong emotion.
(ii) To emphasize Amanda’s action.
(iii) To focus on Amanda.
(iv) To indicate a command
b) What does speaker want to change in Amanda? 1
(i) Her physical posture and habit.
(ii) Her way of speaking.
(iii) Her attitude towards life.
(iv) Her facial expression.
c) Which of the following best describes the speaker’s attitude towards Amanda? 1
(i) Indifferent
(ii) Angry
(iii) Encouraging
(iv) Controlling
7. Read the given extract and answer the questions

He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle’s edge
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!
a) Which animal is described in the above lines? 1
b) Why the phrase “snarling around houses” is used in the lines? 1
(i) To show animals curiosity towards human settlement.
(ii) To imply the animal’s aggressive behaviour and territorial nature.
(iii) To show animal’s fear of humans.
(iv) To describe the animal’s playful nature.

c) Identify the literary devices used in the above lines. 1

Short Answer Type Questions

1) In the poem “A tiger in the zoo” why does the tiger expresses his anger quietly? 2
2) Do you think loss is a necessary part of childhood? State your opinion with reference to the
poem ‘The Ball Poem’. 2
3) What does poem Amanda tell you about Amanda? 2

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4) The poem’ Dust of Snow’ suggest that small actions or moments can significantly impact one’s
mood or day. Do you agree with this perspective? Justify your answer with examples from the
poem or your own experiences. 2
5) Evaluate the poet’s belief that only God can love a person for their inner beauty? Is this view
realistic or idealistic? 2
6) How would you explain the message of the poem ‘The Ball Poem’ to your younger brother or
sister who has just experienced loss for the first time? 2
7) Why is the fog described as coming on little cat feet rather than a different animal? 2
8) What does the line “And no one buys a ball back” suggest about the nature of loss and recovery?
Can it relate to real-life experiences? 2
9) What other contrasting elements besides fire and ice could the poet have used to convey similar
emotions of destruction and human tendencies? 2
10) Imagine a world without trees. How would the scenarios described in the poem be different? 2

Long Answer Type Questions

1. How do the trees in the poem symbolize freedom and rebellion? Do you think this imagery
applies to human struggles as well? Why? 3
2. What message do you think the poet conveys about the relationship between humans and nature
through the act of the trees leaving the house? 3
3. Why do you think the poet describes the trees as moving out “into the night”? How does the
setting of night enhance the theme of the poem? 3
4. Explain how ‘The Ball Poem’ and ‘Amanda!’ both emphasize on the importance of
responsibility, but with different approaches? 4
5. "In the lines: 4
‘Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus’
(from How to Tell Wild Animals),

and:
‘And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon.
And a realio trulio, little pet dragon’
(from The Tale of Custard the Dragon),

We see the poet experimenting with words. Why do you think the poet chose to put the words
differently?

6. Read the lines given below from the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’: 4

“Love you for yourself alone
And not your yellow hair”
Why do you think the woman has such a realistic approach? Is it due to her experience or her
concern for the boy?
7. How can ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ be considered a humorous ballad? Justify your
answer with examples. 4

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SECTION D (SUPPLEMENTARY READER)

Short Answer Type Questions

1) Do you think over pampering pets can be dangerous? Justify your answer based on the events in
the story-“A Triumph of Surgery”. 2
2) If you were a veterinarian, how would you advice pet owners to strike a balance between
pampering and taking proper care of pets? 2
3) What qualities of Hari Singh helped him to change his decision at the end of the story? 3
4) “Good company makes good character.” justify this statement with reference to the chapter ‘The
Thief’s Story’? 3
5) What does the story “The Thief’s Story” suggests about the impact of love and trust on personal
transformation? 3
6) Do you think Ausable’s personality is quite close to a real-life spy? Justify your opinion with one
reason. 2
7) Was Horace’s love for books a valid excuse for his actions? Why or why not? 3
8) How can school encourage students like Ebright to explore their interest in science? 3
9) Describe Fowler’s feeling during his first encounter with a spy in your own words. 3
10) How do we know that Mrs. Pumphrey was rich? 2
11) How does Hari Singh smile reflect his inner conflict as a thief? 3
12) Do you think the phrases “Tit for tat” appropriately describes Horace Danby’s fate in A Question
of Trust? Provide reason for your answer. 3
13) “Science is both a boon and a curse to mankind.” Justify your opinion with reference to the story
‘Footprints without Feet’? 3
14) In the beginning of the story a few children were fascinated by seeing muddy footprints
impression on the sand, what would be your reaction if you were one of them? 3
15) What are the qualities that go into the making of a scientist? 3
16) We should not extinguish children’s curiosity; Instead, curiosities can be turned into hobbies and
later into professions, justify your opinion with reference to the story ‘The Making of a Scientist’?
3
17) “Richard was competitive.” Mr Weiherer continued, “but not in a bad sense.”
Do you think being competitive is good? Does it encourage us to think ahead of others? 3
18) Do you think that Bholi was sent to school for unusual reason? Justify your answer with reason. 2
19) Richard Ebright’s mother supported him in getting interested in science .Explain how your mother
supported you in getting interested in studies? 3
20) Parenting and pampering are different. List few differences on the basis of the story “A
Triumph of Surgery”. 2
21) ‘Appearance can be deceptive.’ List a few characteristic of Ausable as a spy. 2
22) “Horace Danby was good and respectable but not completely honest” categorised Danby as a
typical thief. 2

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Long Answer Type Questions

1) In your view, what role did Ebright’s mother play in nurturing his interest in science? Could his
success have been possible without her support? 7
2) If Matilda had confessed the truth about losing the necklace how might the outcome have
changed? 7
3) If you were in Griffin’s position, how would you use invisibility differently? 7
4) Analyze the effectiveness of Ausable’s wit in outsmarting Max. Critically evaluate whether his
methods were foolproof, and discuss potential scenarios where they could have failed. 7
5) Imagine the thief’s life of Hari Singh if he hadn’t returned the stolen money. How might his future
have been different? 7
6) Was Mrs. Pumphery’s love for Tricki genuine or did it unintentionally harm him? Justify your
answer with examples from the story. 7
7) Justify the phrase "Love is Blind" with reference to the story "A Triumph of Surgery." 7
8) Trust and compassion can reform a person. Justify this statement in the light of the lesson ‘The
Thief’s Story’. 7
9) Why do people like Hari singh win the confidence of others and make friends with them? 7
10) Ausable and Max both are in the same profession, yet their personalities are contrasting. Justify
this statement? 7
11) Describe the significance of the balcony in Ausable strategy against Max. 7
12) How would Horace Danby's actions and the story's outcome be affected if he weren't allergic to
pollen? 7
13) Describe how Griffin was both protagonist and antagonist both of the story? 7
14) Discoveries of science can be used for the welfare of mankind as well as for its destruction. How
is this applicable to Griffin’s scientific discovery? 7
15) Discuss the statement ‘Failure is the pillar of success’ with reference to the story ‘The making of a
Scientist’. 7
16) Analyze the similarities between Matilda’s desire for a life of glamour and the aspirations of many
young people today? 7
17) What suggestion would you give to Matilda if she were your best friend? 7
18) Parents and teachers play important role in nurturing a child. Justify this statement with reference
to the story ‘The Making of a Scientist’. 7
19) Destiny had been cruel to Bholi yet she made her place in conservative society. Discuss. 7
20) Why does Anil not hand over the thief to the police? Do you think most people would have done
so? In what ways is Anil different from such employers? 7
21) “It was not a command, but just a friendly suggestion,” said Bholi’s teacher. Do you think all
teachers should adopt a similar polite and encouraging approach? Justify your answer. 7
22) Bholi’s teachers helped her over come social barriers by encouraging and motivating her. Discuss
how can you contribute towards changing the social attitude of peoples? 7
23) How the phrase “Honesty is the best policy” can be justified through the action and
consequences faced by Matilda in the story ‘The Necklace’. 7
24) Explain how Ebright’s early encouragement and support conclude him as a great scientist. 7

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Study Materials
Notes

Model Papers Class 6 Notes

Sample Papers Class 7 Notes
Half Yearly Sample Papers Class 8 Notes

Class 9 Notes
Important Resources
Class 10 Notes
Periodic Table
Class 11 Notes
Writing Skills / Formats

Maps of India / World Class 12 Notes

Books and Solutions

NCERT Books
NCERT Book Solutions
HC Verma Chapter Wise Solutions
RD Sharma Solutions
CGBSE Solutions