Kerala Class 10 First Term Model Question Paper 2025 English

FIRST TERMINAL EVALUATION (MODEL)
ENGLISH
STD: X Time : 2.30 hrs
Max. Score: 80

Instructions
 First fifteen minutes is the cool off time. You may use the time to read the questions and plan the
answers.
 Read the questions carefully before answering.
 Certain sections of the questions have choice. Follow the choice regulations.
 When you select a question, all its sub questions (if any) must be answered from the same
question.

Questions 1-5. Read the excerpt from A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings and answer the
questions that follow. (5×1=5)

One morning Elisenda was cutting some bunches of onions for lunch when a wind blew into the
kitchen. Then she went to the window and found the angel in his first attempts at flight. These
were so clumsy that he was on the point of knocking the shed down as he couldn’t get a grip on
the air. But then, he did manage to gain altitude.
Elisenda let out a sigh of relief, for herself and for him, when she watched him pass over the last
houses. He was holding himself up in some way with the risky flapping of a senile vulture. She
kept watching him even when she was through cutting the onions. She kept on watching until it
was no longer possible for her to see him. He was no longer an annoyance in her life but an
imaginary dot on the horizon of the sea.

1. What was Elisenda doing when the wind blew into the kitchen?
2. What did Elisenda see when she looked out of the window?
3. What is the angel compared to in his flight?
A. A strong eagle
B. A fast air plane
C. A senile vulture
D. A flying fish
4. Why did Elisenda feel relieved?
5. How did the angel appear to Elisenda at the end?
A. A big shadow in the sky
B. A dot on the sea horizon
C. A bird in a cage
D. A star in the sky

Questions 6-9. Read the lines from the dramatic speech ‘Friends, Romans, Countrymen...’
and answer the questions that follow. (4×1=4)
He was my friend, faithful and just to me:
But Brutus says he was ambitious;
And Brutus is an honourable man.
He hath brought many captives home to Rome,
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:

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Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept:
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;
And Brutus is an honourable man.

6. What does Antony say Caesar did when the poor cried?
7. ‘He was my friend, faithful and just to me:’
Which poetic device is used in the given line?
8. How does Antony question Brutus’s claim that Caesar was ambitious?
A. By agreeing with Brutus and acknowledging Caesar’s ambition
B. By saying that Caesar filled the Roman treasury and cared for the poor
C. By reiterating that Caesar always wanted more power and land
D. By claiming that Caesar planned to rule other countries
9. Pick out an example of a rhetorical question from the given lines.

10. [A] Read the following lines from the dramatic speech ‘Friends, Romans, Countrymen...’ and
prepare an appreciation focusing on its persuasive techniques, tone, and literary devices.
(1×4=4)
You all did see that on the Lupercal
I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;
And, sure, he is an honourable man.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause:
What cause withholds you, then, to mourn for him?
O judgement, thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason! - Bear with me;
My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
And I must pause till it come back to me.
OR
10. (B) Here are two excerpts from the play Julius Caesar. They are the words of Brutus
and Mark Antony, delivered on the occasion of Caesar’s funeral.
Brutus (simplified): Mark Antony (original):
"I cared for Caesar deeply......... "You all did see that on the Lupercal
But I loved Rome even more. I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Would you rather have Caesar alive, and all of Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?
us be slaves, Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;
or have Caesar dead so we can all be free? And, sure, he is an honourable man."
I cried for him because I loved him.
I was happy for his successes and admired his
bravery.
But because he was ambitious, I killed him."

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• Brutus and Mark Antony both speak about Caesar’s ambition and their love for him.
Brutus says Caesar had to die for the good of Rome, while Antony argues that Caesar did
not seem ambitious at all. Whose words do you find more convincing, and what is each
speaker trying to make the people believe? Draft your response in a paragraph.
(1×4=4)

Questions 11-15. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. (5×1=5)
Apes are intelligent and fascinating primates found in different parts of the world. There are four
main types of apes: gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons. Gorillas are the largest apes
and they live in the forests of Africa. They are very strong but gentle and live in family groups.
They mostly eat plants and care deeply for their young. Chimpanzees, who share about 98% of
their DNA with humans, are very smart and social. They use tools to find food and communicate
with sounds and gestures. They live in large groups and are playful and curious.
Orangutans have long arms and reddish-brown hair and live in the rainforests of Borneo and
Sumatra. They spend most of their time in trees, building nests and eating fruits and leaves.
Unlike other apes, they prefer to live alone. Gibbons are the smallest apes and are very quick and
agile. They swing easily from tree to tree using their long arms and make loud, beautiful calls to
communicate. They live in small family groups and stay with one mate for life. Each type of ape
is special and plays an important role in keeping forests healthy and balanced.
11. Orangutans have:-
A. brown hair
B. red hair
C. reddish-brown hair
D. none of the above
12. Why is it said that the Chimpanzees are closely related to humans?
13. Which of the following statements are false about apes?
A. Apes are intelligent
B. All apes live in family groups
C. Apes help keep forests healthy and balanced
D. Apes are reptiles
Choose the correct option from the following:-
i) Both A and B
ii) Both A and C
iii) Both A and D
iv) Both B and D
14. Where do the gorillas have their natural habitat?
15. What among the following are unique about the smallest of the apes?
A. large family groups
B. loud and melodious calls
C. one mate for life
D. live on trees
Choose the correct option from the following:-
i) A, B and C
ii) B and C
iii) B and D
iv) B, C and D

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Questions 16-22. Answer all questions.
16. [A] In the Attic is a harrowing survival testimony that highlights the resilience of the human
spirit during one of history’s darkest periods. Through Szpilman’s personal journey, it
reflects deeply on fear, solitude, compassion, and hope amidst war and destruction. Based
on your reading of the narrative, prepare a detailed review focusing on its
characterization, theme, and plot development.
(Hints:- Ruins filled backdrop – Pianist in hiding – Soldier’s unexpected kindness –
Music as connection – Identity under threat – Freedom after war]
OR (1×7=7)
16. [B] Srikanth Bolla begins his speech Breaking Barriers, I Will Fly by stating that 51% of
Indians are self-employed. Prepare a write-up substantiating how his own life journey
reflects the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship, using evidence and examples from the
speech.
[Hints:– Born without sight – Family’s unconditional love – Excluded from school life –
Fights for education – Rises through challenges – Builds support for others] (1×7=7)
17. [A] The story A Phoenix Rises tells the inspiring journey of a man who turns personal struggle
into a powerful mission to restore dignity and health to women. Narrate the story of
Bablu in your own words bringing out the key turning points in his journey - from
dropping out of school to becoming a social innovator. (1×6=6)
OR
17. [B] Arunachalam Muruganantham, has transformed the lives of countless women by
promoting dignity and health. His dedication, innovation, and courage in breaking social
taboos have earned him recognition, including the Padma Shri. You are deeply inspired
by his efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and women’s empowerment. Write a letter
to Mr. Muruganantham appreciating his efforts, and expressing how he has inspired you.
(1×6=6)
18. [A] In the story A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings, Pelayo is portrayed as an ordinary
man whose life changes unexpectedly when a strange, winged old man enters his
courtyard. Prepare a character sketch of Pelayo, highlighting his personality traits, his
responses to the angel’s arrival, how he handles the sudden fame and fortune, and what
his actions reveal about human nature. (1×6=6)
OR
18. [B] The tragic air crash in Ahmedabad shook the nation and became the top headline in
the next day's daily. You are the newspaper reporter assigned to cover the incident.
Prepare a detailed news report on the plane crash. (1×6=6)

Hints:- Air India flight AI 171 crashes in Ahmedabad - Crash happens soon after
takeoff at 1:30 PM - London-bound flight from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport -
Pilot sends Mayday call before losing control - Plane crashes into BJ Medical College
staff quarters - Massive fire breaks out - 274 people die – includes passengers, crew,
and locals on ground - Rescue teams reach quickly - Hospitals treat injured survivors -
Union home secretary leads high-level investigation team -Country mourns – families
of victims receive condolences

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19. Prepare a profile of Langston Hughes using the following details. (1×6=6)
• Langston Hughes – American poet, social activist, and novelist
• Known for – Harlem Renaissance, jazz poetry
• Themes – Racial identity, Social justice, African American culture
• Birth – 1 February 1901 Joplin, Missouri, USA
• Alma mater – Columbia University, Lincoln University
• Literary debut – Poet – 1921 – The Negro Speaks of Rivers
• Notable works – The Weary Blues (1926), Montage of a Dream Deferred (1951)
• Legacy – Pioneer of the Harlem Renaissance; his works continue to inspire discussions on
race and equality.
• Death – 22 May 1967

20. [A] Elisenda feels a mix of relief and wonder as she watches the old angel finally take flight
and disappear into the distance. She conveys the incident vividly to her husband Pelayo
when he returns home. Draft the likely conversation between Elisenda and Pelayo about
the angel flying away.
OR (1×4=4)
20. [B] Bollant Industries makes eco-friendly disposable products using natural leaves and
recycled paper. Their plates and bowls are biodegradable, compostable, and easy to
dispose of. Prepare two catchy sentences to be used as advertisement jingles to promote
these green products. (1×4=4)

21. The German officer is a silent rebel against the cruelty surrounding him, and he chooses
compassion over violence. On December 12, he visits Szpilman for the last time as he had to
leave Warsaw. Prepare the officer’s diary entry on that day capturing his thoughts about
Szpilman, his fears, and his hope for the end of the war. (1×4=4)

22. Your school is planning to celebrate World Health Day (7 April) with a special function to
raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and women's health. You wish to invite
Arunachalam Muruganantham, the renowned social entrepreneur and innovator, as the chief
guest for the event. Prepare an Event Invitation for the same, giving necessary details such
as the date, time, venue, purpose of the event, and chief guest’s credentials. (1×4=4)

Questions 23-27. Study the following table carefully and answer the questions that follow.
(5×1=5)
RAILWAY SCHEDULE
Train Number & Name Type of Route of Operation Days of Operation
Train
06023 – Shornur Kannur MEMU Shornur- Kannur Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat
Memu
12008 – Shatabdi Express Express Mysuru-Chennai All days expect Thursday
12625 – Kerala SF Super Fast Trivandrum- All days
Express NewDelhi
16317 – Himsagar Express Kannyakumari- Friday
Express Jammu Tawi
22625 – Sbc Dbldeck Double Chennai-Bangalore All days
Express Decker

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23. Which is the train that runs only once a week?
24. How many trains in the table skip operation once a week?
A. One
B. All trains
C. Two
D. None
25. Which train would you suggest to a friend who has to travel to Kashmir?
26. What is the route of operation of the double decker train?
27. Where does the MEMU train end its journey?
A. Shornur
B. Kannyakumari
C. Kashmir
D. Kannur

28. Edit the passage. Errors are given in italics. (6×½ =3)
At the Aralam Farm in Kannur, a group of tribal woman(a) were trained in umbrella
making by the Kudumbashree mission. In just three years, they are producing(b) thousands
of umbrellas and introduced 21 knew(c) varieties to the market. Their effort(d) have
generated an annual revenue of 25 lakh rupees. This succes(e) story underscores the
determination of these women and highlight(f) the effectiveness of the Kudumbashree
mission.

29. Complete the paragraph using appropriate forms of the phrasal verbs given in brackets.
(5×1=5)
Bablu ................(a)...................... to give Gowri a gift, keeping in mind her health and
hygiene. He ...........(b)........... to a nearby store and asked for a pack of napkins. Bablu was
..............(c)............... by the exorbitant price on the packet. Back home, he handed over the
gift to Gowri, but she could not ................(d)............... his idea of spending money on
expensive pads. However, Bablu was determined to ..............(e)............... a new project.
(put up with, set up, come across, make up one’s mind, taken aback, set out)

30. Complete the following passage choosing the right words from the brackets.
(6×½ =3)
He took her .........(a)........ the rear of the courtyard. They both looked at .......(b)......
fallen body. The man was dressed like .......(c)...... rag picker. There were only a few
faded hairs left ........(d)...... his bald skull and very few teeth ......(e)...... his mouth. His
pitiful condition seemed that .........(f)........ a drenched great-grandfather.
(on, the, with, in, a, of, to)

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31. Complete the conversation Szpilman and the German officer. (5×1=5)
Szpilman : You're leaving Warsaw, ............(a)............?
Officer : Yes, with my detachment. ...........................(b)..............................?
Szpilman : I'm worried about surviving the street fighting.
Officer : Stay strong. If we had given up earlier, .......................................
(c) ............................ It must be God’s will that we survived
this inferno.
Szpilman : You’re right. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done.
.......................................(d)...............................................? I’m hungry.
Officer : Yes. Here are some loaves of bread. You had better ..........................
(e)....................................
Szpilman : That’s so thoughtful of you to get me a warm eiderdown. It’s too cold in
the attic. Thank you.

32. Report the following dialogue. (2×1=2)
Mother : Please stop your experiments. It’s a disgrace on the whole family.
Bablu : Never. I’m just trying to help the poor women in my village.
………………………………...(a)……………………………….
………………………………...(b)……………………………….

33. Create pairs from the words given in the box below, and complete the sentences.
(2×1=2)
effort, enthusiastic, happy, tremendous, child, crowd

Pelayo took ................. (a) ................... to pull the old man out of the mud. The
...................... (b) ....................... flocked to Pelayo’s house.

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