Class 10 Question Paper 2023-24 English (Half Yearly)

2023-24
HALF YEARLY
EXAM
NCERT BASED
SYLLABUS
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FOR
CBSE BOARD
AND
STATE BOARDS

Half Yearly Exam 2023-24
Question Paper

Class - X Subject – English
Time – 3 Hours Maximum Marks- 80

General Instructions:

1. This paper is divided into 3 sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read the
instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A : READING SKILLS (20 marks)
I. Read the following passage carefully:

1. Nature is our mother, our first teacher. The greatest lesson that she teaches us is to maintain an
equilibrium in life. We learn to maintain composure through our joys, sorrows and fears. In
fact, there are a thousand lessons that nature can teach us, provided we look for them.

2. With time, a sapling grows into a full-grown tree; something so tiny and delicate develops into
a strong tree capable of supporting others. No matter how tall it grows, how much it may
flourish or how many animals and birds it may support, its roots are firmly buried from where
it once rose. That’s a lesson to keep ourselves grounded, respect and embrace our roots and
give something back to those humble beginnings that nurtured us into who we are.

3. Then there is the message of peaceful coexistence.’ I am because we are.’ Nature provides every
creature a chance to exist. However, the existence of one creature or being depends on the
existence of the other. The tiger eats the antelope; without the antelope, the tiger wouldn’t
survive. Likewise, without tigers, the over- abundance of antelopes would cause them to starve
to death.

4. I wonder if you have noticed that when birds or squirrels see a predator, they give out an alarm
call to their fellow creatures, of the lurking danger. They put themselves in danger to save the
lives of others. Many animals, like the salmon, usually die after they spawn, but this doesn’t
stop them. One life extinguished for the betterment of others is a small price to pay.

5. The snow melts in the warmth of spring to give birth to fresh green leaves. In autumn these
leaves age into shades of gold only to be buried in the cold grave of winter. Change is

inevitable; the sooner we embrace this, the better it is for us. We must also understand that even
in pain there is growth. If you cut a hole in the tree, it will grow around it. No matter what may
come in its way, a river will continue to flow. Similarly, no matter what grief may break your
heart, nature teaches us that life goes on.

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6. Keep in mind life isn’t about making lists and trying to be one step ahead of others. Life is to
live. Take a break, stop being a workaholic and smell the roses, do whatever makes you feel
happy and most of all spend some time with nature to pick up invaluable lessons.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions. (10)

1. Choose the option that best conveys the message in ‘ I am because we are.’ (1)
(a) Tigers are dependent on antelope.
(b) Antelopes are dependent on tigers.
(c) Humans are dependent on animals.
(d) Everyone is dependent on each other.
2. Nature teaches us a thousand lessons. Give example of one lesson from the passage in about
30 – 40 words. (2)
3. Complete the analogy by finding a word from paragraph 6. (1)
Flourish: Grow :: ______: Precious

4. When they see a predator, birds give _________________________. (1)

5. What is the writer’s view about the ideal life style in paragraph 6? Answer in about 30-40
words. (2)

6. Which of the following qualities from paragraph 3 does the author want us to imbibe? (1)

(a) Accepting (b) Resilient (c) Perceptive (d) All of these

7. The passage includes some words that are opposite to each other. From the sets given below,
identify one such set of antonyms. (1)
(a) sorrows and pain
(b) tiny and delicate
(c) respect and embrace
(d) stop and continue
8. Complete the following by supplying suitable word/ phrase from the passage- (1)

Word Meaning
------------ the state of being calm and having your feelings under control

II. Read the following passage carefully.

1. Information that makes its way to the short- term memory (STM) does so via the sensory
storage area. There is much debate about the capacity and duration of the short-term memory.
The most accepted theory comes from George A. Miller, a cognitive psychologist, who
suggested that humans can remember approximately seven chunks of information. A chunk is
defined as a meaningful unit of information, such as a word or a name, rather than just a letter
or a number. Modern theorists suggest that one can increase the short-term memory by

chunking or classifying similar information together. By organizing information, one can
optimize the STM and improve the chances of a memory being passed on to long-term storage.

2

2. When making a conscious effort to memorize something , such as information for exam, many
people engage in rote rehearsal. By repeating something over and over again, one is able to
keep a memory alive. Unfortunately, this type of memory maintenance only succeeds if there
are no interruptions. As soon as a person stops rehearsing the information, it has the tendency
to disappear. When a pen and paper are not handy, people often attempt to remember a phone
number by repeating it aloud. If the doorbell rings or the dog barks, he will, most likely, forget
the number instantly. Therefore, rote rehearsal is not an efficient way to pass information from
the short-term memory to the long - term memory. A better way is to practise elaborate
rehearsal. This involves assigning logical meaning to a piece of information. So that it can be
filed away along with other pre-existing long-term memories.

3. Encoding information logically also makes it more retrievable. Retrieving information can be
done by recognition or recall. Humans can easily recall memories that are stored in the long-
term memory and used often; however, if a memory seems to be forgotten, it may eventually be
retrieved by prompting. The more cues a person is given ( such as pictures), the more likely a
memory can be retrieved. This is why, multiple choice tests are often used for subjects that
require a lot of memorization.

On the basis of your reading of the given passage, answer the following questions. (10)
1. How do memories get transferred to the STM? (1)
2. How can one keep a memory alive? (1)
(a) By concentrating on other things
(b) By repeating in over and over again
(c) By not talking about it
(d) By talking about it, just once.
3. _________________________ can be done by recognition or recall. ( Fill in the blank.) (1)
4. What is the negative aspect of rote rehearsal? Explain in 30-40 words. (2)
5. Study the following statements and select the proper option. (1)

A. Multiple choice tests are often used for subjects that require a lot of memorization.
B. The more cues a person is given, the more likely a memory can be retrieved.

(a) A is an assertion and B is the reason
(b) B is an assertion and A is the reason
(c) Both A and B are unrelated assertions
(d) Both A and B are reasons of different assertions
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6. Mention some ways to retrieve information easily in about 30 -40 words (2)
7. Pick the option that corresponds to the word ‘conscious’ as used in the passage. (1)
(a) Cognizant (b) Elaborate
(c) Heedless (d) Oblivious

8. Which of the following is the opposite of the word ‘prompting’? (1)
(a) Pressurizing (b) Encoding
(c) Restraining (d) Helping

SECTION B - GRAMMAR & WRITING SKILLS (20 marks)
GRAMMAR
III. Attempt ANY TEN out of twelve of the following questions. (10X1=10)

i. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct determiner to complete the sentence.
_________________ girls are still writing the test.
(a) Neither
(b) Few
(c) The few
(d) Any
ii. Read the conversation between a mother and her son. Complete the sentence by
reporting the mother’s reply correctly.
Son: Mom, how do I become an artist?
Mother: You will need to learn more about the art you like and practise it every day.
A son asked his mother how he could become an artist. She told him ____________.
iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line, from a doorway sign.
Caution! You __________ not enter.
Only employees are allowed beyond this point.
(a) need
(b) must
(c) could
(d) might
iv. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence.
When the police entered the house, the inmates ____________ in the hall.
(a) were slept
(b) had slept
(c) were sleeping
(d) are sleeping
v. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
Ten labourers were killed and four injured when the van in which they are travelling
rammed into a truck parked at Rampura crossing.

Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

4

vi. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence.
The German force lost no time in retreat lest they ___________ be cut off and
surrounded.
(a) would
(b) should
(c) might
(d) could
vii. Complete the given sentence, by filling in the blank with the correct option.
Rohit ___________ when we arrived at the party.
(a) Had been left
(b) Has already left
(c) Have already left
(d) Had already left
viii. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given
portion of a letter.
Subject: Insanitary conditions in the colony
Sir/ Madam
I ____________ (be) a resident of Amar Enclave, for the past eleven years. I would like to
bring to your notice the poor sanitary conditions of our colony.

ix. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the text message below.
Let’s meet another day since neither Kavya nor Samara __________free today as they
have tennis practice.
(a) were
(b) are
(c) was
(d) is
x. Ankit asked Atul the following question. Report Ankit’s question.
May I drop you in my car at the airport today?
xi. Replace the following underlined idiom with its nearby meaning.
He expects his employees to be at his beck and call day and night.
(a) ungrateful
(b) faithful
(c) grateful
(d) obedient
xii. Find out the antonym of the underlined word given.
Keya’s intemperate behaviour is closely related to her incurable habit of shoplifting.
(a) irritating

(b) choosy
(c) controlled
(d) skilful

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CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (10 marks)

IV. Attempt Any One from A and B given below. (5)

A. A survey was conducted to know about the presence of women in public and private
sectors in India in the present time of women empowerment. Analyse the bar graph
given here and write an analytical paragraph in your own words in about 100-120
words.

OR
B. The given pie chart represents the amount of money spent by a family on different
items in a month. Write an analytical paragraph using the information given in the
chart. ( Word limit-100-120 words)

V. Attempt Any One from A and B given below. (5)

A. You are Neeta/ Naveen of 43, Ram Nagar, Meerut. You want to study at a coaching centre
in Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi. You are looking for a residential accommodation for yourself.
Write a letter to the Manager, Sterling PG Services, 15, Aditya Complex, Laxmi Nagar, New

Delhi, enquiring about the details, such as the type of accommodation available, monthly
charges, and facilities provided. (100-120 words)

OR

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B. You are Ragini/ Rajesh, president, RWA, Govindpuri, Bengaluru. The main park in your
locality, which was once a model park, lies in a state of utter neglect. It has become a
favourite spot for anti-social elements and also a permanent resting place for stray animals.
Write a letter of complaint to the Municipal Commissioner requesting him to instruct the
horticulture department to take prompt action and restore the park to its original condition.
(100-120 words)

SECTION C – LITERATURE (40 marks)
VI. Refer to the context and attempt ANY ONE out of the two extracts given below: (5)

A. When I returned, there was an appalling spectacle. There was complete silence from the
box, but from its air holes and chinks around the lid, blood had trickled and dried. I
whipped off the lock and tore open the lid and Mij, exhausted and blood-spattered,
whimpered and caught at my leg. He had torn the lining of the box to shreds; it was just ten
minutes until the time of the flight, and the airport was five miles distant. I put the
miserable Mij back into the box, holding down the lid with my hand. (Mijbil the Otter)

i) Which of the following options correctly states Maxwell’s likely feelings, in the situation
below? (1)
1. Anxious 2. Happy 3. Terrified 4. Guilty 5. Insulted
(a) 1 and 5 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 3 and 5
ii) What is the appalling spectacle as mentioned in the extract? What did the narrator do after
seeing that spectacle ? Elaborate in about 30 -40 words. (2)

iii) Which of the following options DOES NOT state the possible reason for Maxwell’s
concern about Mij’s tearing the lining of the box to shreds? (1)
(a) Mij could have injured himself further.
(b) It could have made the place untidy.
(c) Mij could have accidentally swallowed the torn pieces.
(d) It could have obstructed the shutting of the lid.
iv) Choose the word which means the same as ‘whimpered’? (1)
(a) Moan (b) Shout (c) Bite (d) Speak
OR
B. When the train had gone, I found myself standing alone on the deserted platform. I had no
idea where to spend the night. I had no friends, believing that friends were more trouble
than help. And I did not want to make anyone curious by staying at one of the small hotels
near the station. The only person I knew really well was the man I had robbed. Leaving the
station, I walked slowly through the bazaar. In my short career as a thief I had made a
study of men’s faces when they had lost their goods. The greedy man showed fear; the rich
man showed anger; the poor man showed acceptance. But I knew that Anil’s face, when he

discovered the theft, would show only a touch of sadness. Not for the loss of money, but for
the loss of trust.
(The Thief’s Story)

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i. Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the text.
Crowded: market :: _________:: streets (1)
ii. Select the best option that presents the reason for the narrator’s regret. (1)
(a) He expected more money.
(b) He had missed the train by a couple of minutes.
(c) He could visualize sadness on the face of Anil.
(d) He had no place to stay for a night.
iii. Why did the narrator feel helpless standing alone on the deserted platform?
Elaborate his feelings in about 30-40 words. (2)

iv. The narrator decided to return to Anil because -------------------- . (1)

VII. Refer to the context and attempt ANY ONE out of the two extracts given below. (5)

A. (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!)

Stop that sulking at once , Amanda!
You’re always so moody, Amanda!
Anyone would think that I nagged at you, Amanda!

(Amanda)

i. Which of these reflects the speaker’s tone in the second stanza of the extract? (1)
1. Critical 2. Worried 3. Concerned 4. Sympathetic 5. Commanding
(a) 1, 5
(b) 2, 3
(c) 2, 4
(d) 4, 5
ii. Why has line 6 of the extract been referred to as ironical? How does Amanda react to the
speaker’s instructions? Explain in about 30 -40 words. (2)
iii. Identify the reason Amanda gives for not letting down her hair. (1)
(a) She has very short hair.
(b) She likes her hair a lot.
(c) She wishes to be left alone.
(d) She awaits her Prince Charming.
iv. Select the sentence in which the word ‘bright’ is used in a similar manner as line 3 of the
extract. (1)
(a) Shekhar is a very bright child.
(b) Rina looked bright and chirpy today.

(c) Bobby’s shirt was so bright and colourful.
(d) Hemant has such bright prospects for the future.

OR

8

B. He senses his first responsibility
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.
(The Ball Poem)
i. Which poetic device is used in the last line? (1)
(a) Simile
(b) Personification
(c) Imagery
(d) Alliteration
ii. Explain the phrase, ‘money is external’ in about 30 – 40 words. (2)
iii. Complete the following sentence.
It is clear that Metaphor is the poetic device used in ‘balls will be lost always’
because_____________. (1)
iv. State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:
The poet feels so sympathetic towards the boy that he wants to buy a ball for the boy.
(1)

VIII. Answer ANY FOUR of the following questions in about 40-50 words each. (4X3=12)

i. How do you think the postmaster felt when he received the second letter of Lencho?
Which prominent literary device is used to express this situation in the story?
ii. What was the most fascinating thing that Valli saw on the street in front of her
doorway? Why was it so fascinating?
iii. Stealth is an aspect of fog. State any two instances from the poem ‘Fog’ that suggest the
same.
iv. Describe and compare the movements of the tiger in the cage and in the wild.
v. Lomov was a quarrelsome person. Justify the statement.

IX. Answer ANY TWO of the following questions in about 40-50 words each. (2X3=6)

i. Why did Hari Singh approach Anil for a job?
ii. Ausable was always one step ahead of everyone. Highlight any two instances
from “The Midnight Visitor”to prove this statement.
iii. How did Griffin succeed in becoming invisible? What was the result of his
experiments?

X. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. (1X6=6)

i. The narrator knew that he could not fly up due to storm clouds and lack of fuel but still
he continued. What do you gather about the narrator from the given line?

OR

9

ii. Imagine the situation when Kisa Gotami meets Gautama Buddha after losing her only
son. Finally she realizes her mistake and becomes wise. Develop the conversation
between the two, including the needful. You may begin like this:

Kisa Gotami: Lord, my life has been ruined! I have lost my only son. Please give some
medicines to make him alive.
The Buddha: Calm down first. Please sit down.

XI. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. (1X6=6)

i. ‘The lady in red was a more professional thief than Horace Danby’. Elaborate.
OR
ii. Although Richard does not win anything at the Science Fair, but it was a stepping stone
for his success. In the light of the statement prove the importance of competition in our
life.

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