English Sample Paper for Class 10 2023 with Solutions, PDF

 Class 10 English Sample Paper 2023

English Sample Paper Class 10 2023: CBSE has released English Class 10 Sample Paper 2023 on the official website https://cbseacademic.nic.in/ and students must have begun with their revision for the examination. This year CBSE will conduct a single board examination and there will be no term from this session onwards. One of the most important factors that need to be included in the revision schedule is English Sample Paper Class 10 2023. Are you looking for the Class 10 English Sample Paper 2023 that has been released by CBSE for helping the students to practice for the upcoming board exam? Then you are in the right place, we have provided the English Class 10 Sample Paper 2022-2023 PDF to download which has been released by the Central Board of Secondary Education on its official website. The students who are going to appear for the session 2022-23, must not miss revising the Class 10 English Sample Paper provided below.

English Sample Paper Class 10 2023

Below is the discussed pattern & marking scheme released through CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper (English Language & Literature) which is set as per the latest exam pattern to be followed in the real exam. The Question Paper contains three sections-Reading, Writing & Grammar and Literature. The Class 10 English Paper consists of three sections of a total of 80 marks, defined as below-

1. Section A-Reading part is of 20 marks

2. Section B-Grammar part is of 10 marks & Creative writing part is of 10 marks 

3. Section C- The literature part is of 40 marks. 

English Sample Paper Class 10 2023 PDF with Solution

The students preparing for the upcoming CBSE Class 10 English Exam which has been scheduled for 27th February 2023 must download the official English Class 10 sample paper PDF from the below link and practice the questions as per the pattern released by CBSE. The solutions to the CBSE Class 10 English Sample Paper as set by CBSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2023 have been provided below along with the solution as released by CBSE.

Class 10 English Answer Key & Analysis 2023- Click to Check

CBSE Class 10 English Previous Year Question Papers- Download PDFs

Class 10 English Sample Paper and Solution 2023

Below are some of the questions from the official sample paper released by the CBSE on the official website. You can practice these questions to score good marks in your board examination. 

Section A: Reading Skills

I. Read the passage given below

1. Mountains have always been held in great awe by mankind. They have been a challenge to humans. Those brave among us have always wanted to conquer them. You see, the more incredible the mountains, the greater the thrill – a challenge to the bravery of the human race. Climbing mountains is an experience that is hard to put into words. You are in a beautiful environment and, when you reach the top, you feel incredible. But you also have to climb down, which is when most accidents happen – people are tired, it gets dark, and it’s harder. So, mountain climbing is undoubtedly one of the most popular adventure sports along with being challenging and risky for the climber.

2 Without any perceived risk, there can’t be a feeling that any significant challenge has been surmounted. Fair, but we have to bear in mind that mountaineering is not a sport that can be embraced without preparation. The enthusiasts must develop in themselves the spirit of adventure, willingness to undertake hardships and risks, extraordinary powers of perseverance, endurance, and keenness of purpose before climbing a mountain. They should also know how to handle mountaineering equipment. Then comes the penance of the rigorous training. This could very well be the lifeline up there. It helps inculcate and hone survival instincts that allow the climber to negotiate perilous situations. There are numerous institutes in India and abroad that offer such training.

3 Mountain climbers are unanimous in agreeing that the unpredictable weather is what they fear the most. There may be sunshine one moment and a snowstorm the other. At higher altitudes, snow is a regular feature, and being decisive about setting up camps or proceeding further is crucial. The icy sheets after ice storms make walking treacherous, while the powdery snow makes a mountaineer sink deep into the snow. Up there, where the intention is to embrace Nature’s wonder, one realizes that it cannot be done without facing its formidable glory. A true mountaineer may challenge the mountain, yet is always respectful of the powerful forces of nature.

4 Summiting mountains carries its own health risks such as oxygen and altitude sickness problems, frost bites, swelling of hands and feet, fluid collection in the brain or lungs, and exhaustion. Yet, the gratification mountaineers feel from mastering something that is so frightening, urges them to undertake these endeavors. We may think that the mountaineers are fearless, but experts say, “Not at all. It’s fear that keeps them so intrigued with such arduous journeys.” Impulse and brazenness can be deadly foes. In the words of the Indian mountaineer, Bachendri Pal, “The biggest risk ... is to not to take the risk at all. Remember that.”

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.

I. Why does the writer say that mountains inspire ‘awe’ in humans? (Paragraph 1)

A. They present us with opportunities for exciting sports.

B. They evoke the wish in us, to master them.

C. They inspire in us, deeds of valor.

D. They represent peace and calm, to us.

Solution: B. They evoke the wish in us, to master them.

ii. Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below:

The more incredible the mountains—the greater the thrill (Paragraph 1)

A. The higher the stamina—the lower the food intake

B. The more you laugh—the lesser your illness

C. The smaller the car—the bigger the advantage

D. The heavier the luggage—the higher the penalty

Solution: D.The heavier the luggage—the higher the penalty

iii. Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following:

So, mountain climbing is undoubtedly one of the most popular adventure sports (Paragraph 1)

A. doubt

B. caution

C. conviction

D. denial

Solution: C. conviction 

iv Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1.

Solution: hard to put into words.

V. The writer compares training to penance in the line --Then comes the penance of the rigorous training. (Paragraph 2) State 1 point of similarity between training and penance.

Solution: very difficult / requires perseverance (Any other relevant)

VI. Based on your reading of the text, list 2 reasons why the writer says that “mountaineering is not a sport that can be embraced without preparation”. (Paragraph 2) 

1)…………………. 

2)…………………..

Solution: Because mountaineering includes difficulties like having to walk on icy sheets that cannot be accomplished without proper preparation of equipment

• Because mountaineering includes dealing with several health hazards that cannot be managed without preparation.
• Because managing unpredictable weather is essential in mountaineering and cannot be accomplished without being prepared with specific training.
• Because mountaineering presents the risk of fatality due to faulty decision-making and cannot be addressed without being prepared by accompanying/ engaging experienced climbers. (Any other relevant/ correct from text).

VII. What connection does the writer draw out between unpredictable weather and the setting up of camps? (Paragraph 3)

Solution: If the weather is unpredictable, it makes it difficult to decide when to set up camp as mountaineers would prefer to climb when it is sunny and camp when it’s snowing.

VIII. The writer says, “A true mountaineer may challenge the mountain, yet is always respectful to the powerful forces of nature.” (Paragraph 3) Select the reason the mountaineer is respectful to the forces of nature, up in the mountains.

A. survival

B. experience

C. tradition

D. directive 

Solution: A. survival

IX. Supply 1 point to justify the following: While mountain-climbing, an impulsive mountaineer is either disaster-prone or as good as dead

Solution: Survival is key in mountain climbing and it can be done with meticulously planning / careful decision-making/ careful application of training (any one or more) It has no room for rash or impulsive decisions/ actions— these would lead to accidents or fatalities. 

X. Evaluate the INAPPROPRIATE reason for the feeling of exhilaration on reaching a summit, that the mountain climbers experience. 

A. Achievement of a seemingly impossible feat 

B. Spectacular panoramic view 

C. Application of the inculcated survival instincts 

D. Opportunity to use sophisticated mountaineering equipment

Solution: D.Opportunity to use sophisticated mountaineering equipment.

II. Read the passage given below.

1 The North-East of India is a melting pot of variegated cultural mosaic of people and races, an ethnic tapestry of many hues and shades. Yet, these states are lesser explored as compared to the rest of the country. The new generations of travelers who are ‘money rich and time poor’ are increasingly looking for unique experiences --a phenomenon being called the emergence of the ‘experience economy. For this new and growing breed of tourists, the Northeast with its variety and uniqueness holds immense attraction.

2. A study conducted in 2020 by Dr. Sherap Bhutia, revealed that the foreign tourist arrival in the North-East increased from 37,380 persons in 2005 to 118,552 in 2014. The overall growth rate of tourists (both domestic and foreign) in the Northeast was as high as 26.44% during 2005-06. A Page 4 of 15 2 high and positive growth of 12.53% was registered in foreign tourist visits to the North-East States of India during 2012 from 2011, which further rose to register a growth of 27.93% during 2013 from 2012. Foreign tourist arrivals in the Northeast witnessed a growth of 39.77% in 2014 from 2013, according to data provided by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. 

3. The study recommendations for tourism planners included the need to concentrate on some key areas like enhancement of tourist facilities, tourism financing, focus on community involvement, and others for the formulation of a sustainable tourism strategy in the North-East States of India. 
II. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.

I.Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph 1. The rate of tourism in the North-East of India puzzles tourism officials.

Solution: This is so because these states are lesser explored as compared to the rest of the country, in spite of having lots to offer.

ii. Select the appropriate options to fill in the blanks.

From paragraph 1 we can infer that the _____________ and _________________ of the North-Eastern

states aid attracting the ‘money rich and time poor’ tourists.

1. distinctiveness

2. conventionality

3. diversity

4. uniformity

5. modernity

A. 1 & 3

B. 2 &4

C. 2 & 5

D. 1 & 4 

Solution: A.1&3.

iii.Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/ phrase from paragraph 1: aroma: cooking:: _________: painting

Solution: hues and shades

iv.Select the correct option to complete the sentence.

Travellers advocating the ‘experience economy’ seek a holiday package with ______________

A. grand facilities, expensive hotels and excellent services to pamper them.

B. a wholesome experience within the budget they have planned for.

C. places and cities to buy things from and opportunities spend money.

D. minimal services, hostel accommodation and many days of touring.

Solution: B. a wholesome experience within the budget they have planned for.

V.Select the chart that appropriately represents the trend of foreign tourist travels in the North-East, from 2011-2014, as per paragraph 2.

A. Option 1

B. Option 2

C. Option 3

D. Option 4

Solution: B. Option 2

vi. Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option.

The study of tourist travel statistics in the North-East, from 2005 to 2014 showed ____________ results.

A. expected

B. encouraging

C. inconsistent

D. questionable 

Solution: B.encouraging 

VII. Substitute the word ‘witnessed’ with ONE WORD similar in meaning, in the following sentence 

from paragraph 2: Foreign tourist arrivals in the Northeast witnessed a growth of...

Solution: observed/ recorded/ showed/ displayed (Any other similar relevant)

VIII.List any 2 examples of ‘tourist facilities as referred to, in Paragraph 3.

Solution: Accommodation—hotels, hostels, camps

Recreation—Parks, Gardens, Museums, Shopping areas

Essential- eating outlets, toilets, water points, and kiosks for

maps/currency exchange (if needed), certified travel guide availability

Transport-dedicated shuttle service, sight-seeing buses, cards or passes, car hiring stations

Digital upgrades –WiFi availability, websites, ticketing, forums

(Any other relevant)

IX. List one reason why the researchers recommend that the formulation of a tourism strategy in the NorthEastern States of India be sustainable.

Solution:

• To create socio-economic benefits for the local community
• To reduce the negative impacts caused on the destination/s
• To ensure the protection of culture and heritage/ To ensure minimal intervention in the cultural aspects
• To protect natural wildlife and resources (Any other relevant)

Section B –Grammar

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions.

I. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete an online update.

The climate control comment by an activist on social media yesterday.

A. blow up

B. blew up

C. is blown

D. will be blown

Solution: i. B. blew up 

ii Read the conversation between a doctor and his patient. Complete the sentence by reporting the patient’s reply correctly.

Doctor: Do you feel down from time-to-time Mr. Gopalan?

Patient: Yes, I do not stay in a good mood.

The doctor, while trying to figure out his patient’s ailment, asked about his well-being,

to which, the patient affirmed……………..

Solution: ii. that he does not stay in a good mood. (Addition of sometimes/time to time acceptable)

iii Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line, from a health magazine.

The advertisement read, ‘If you smoke, statistically your story end 15% before it should. 

A. must

B. should

C. will

D. ought to

Solution: iii. C. will 

iv Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a news report: 

Last week a child was not allowed to board the plane at Ranchi airport.

Solution: iv. C. the/a 

V. Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option:

As I was standing on the dock, looking out at the lake for the last time, a feeling of emptiness was over me like darkness.

A. will wash

B. had washed

C. will have washed

D. washed

Solution: v. D. washed

VI. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter:

Subject: Request for Approval

Dear Sir

This is to respectfully submit that I……………(seek) approval for organizing a tree

plantation drive to be undertaken by the club.

Solution: vi. seek

vii Report the dialogue between a grandson and his grandfather, by completing the sentence:

Grandson: Grandpa, who are your superheroes?

Grandpa: Anyone who shows kindness and compassion to others.

In response to the question about his superheroes, grandfather says that………….

Solution: vii. it is anyone who shows kindness and compassion to others

viii Identify the error in the given sentence, from a school magazine report and supply the correction.

In order to balancing the sentiments of the Eagles and the Hawks, the Student Council suggested a rematch between the teams.

Use the given format for your response.

Solution: 

ix Sunil shared some information, with Tariq, about a holiday at sea. Report Tariq’s question: Did you enjoy traveling by sea?

Solution: Tariq asked Sunil if/whether he had enjoyed traveling by sea.
x. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the slogan by the ministry for Child Welfare.

……………WE AFFORD TO NEGLECT CHILDREN? THINK TWICE!!

A. WILL

B. MAY

C. NEED

D. CAN

Solution: D. CAN 

xi. Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Latha and her father.

Father: Why ask so many questions, Latha?

Latha: I believe that if you don’t know the answer, keep asking till you do!

Father asked Latha the reason for the many questions she was asking. Latha exclaimed

good-humouredly that in event of not knowing the answer one should………….……..

A. keep asking till one does.

B. kept asking till one does.

C. keep asking till one do.

D. kept on to ask till one do.

Solution: A. keep asking till one does

xii . Identify the error on a shop’s hoarding and supply the correction, for the following sales offer:

Use the given format for your response. 

Solution: 

Section B –Creative Writing Skills

1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 

A. You are Sunidhi Prakash, the Vice Captain of Brilliant Vidyalaya, Barra, Kanpur. You have recently noticed several posters around your school premises conveying the hazardous message: Lose weight in just a month! “A WONDER DIET comes to your rescue … A privilege available for only a few!”Write a letter to the Editor of The DWA, in not more than 120 words, drawing attention to harm caused by such advertising. Propose the implementation of “Wholesome Lunch Month’ in schools as an idea to address such practices, mention the advantages and share suggestions to foster healthy eating routines and develop positive body image among youngsters.

Solution: 

Brilliant Vidyalaya, BarraKanpur

29 August 2022

The Editor

The DWA

K-21, Anjana Pura

Kanpur

Subject: Need for Promoting Healthy Eating Routines

Dear Madam

This is with reference to posters bearing the message of ‘crash diet’ being posted around our school premises. Such posters impact youngsters negatively and can be hazardous to their self-esteem. I would like to propose the idea of implementing “Wholesome Lunch Month’ for all school students to counter the implications of such misleading advertisements. This initiative is sure to encourage all students to bring nutritious and healthy lunches daily and develop healthy eating routines. To ensure that this project gains strength, schools may organize puppet shows, street plays, and Ted Talks (by Nutritionist/ Psychologist), encompassing the theme, to foster healthy eating routines and a positive body image. I hope that the publishing of my letter in the columns of your renowned Daily helps spread awareness and promote a healthy lifestyle among students.

Yours truly

Sunidhi Prakash

Vice-Captain 

OR

B. You are Zac Skaria, a resident of # 412, Magna Greens Apartments, Gandhi Marg, Jonpara, Mumbai. Three students of grade 10 from your residential complex have rescued and rehabilitated a few old beggars from the neighborhood. You think that their work deserves appreciation and recognition. Write a letter to the President of the RWA, seeking recommendations for these youth, to be nominated for the ‘Serving Citizens’ Award’. Suggest other ways such acts of kindness could be recognized and awarded in the future.

Solution: 

# 421, Magna Greens Apartments

Gandhi Marg, Jonpara

Mumbai

19 July 2022

The President

RWA, Magna Greens Apartments

42, Gandhi Marg, Jonpara

Mumbai

Subject: Seeking Recommendation for ‘Serving Citizens’ Award’ Nominations.

Dear Sir

This is with reference to the empathetic social service done by Miss Jiya, Mas Adwait, and Master Pranit (residents of our complex), in rescuing and rehabilitating a few old beggars from our neighborhood. These students ensured that the beggars were rehabilitated at ‘Seva Sadan’- an NGO which takes care of the needy of our city. This selfless initiative carried out with dedication and responsibility deserves due recognition. I, therefore, request you to issue a letter of recommendation for these students to be nominated for the ‘Serving Citizens’ Award’ organized by the local Municipal Corporation.

I would also like to submit that the RWA set up a special committee that looks into such acts in the future. This would aid dedicated attention and appropriate screening of nominations. Arrangement of academic sponsorships for such children would also be an encouraging gesture.

I entreat you to address this at your earliest convenience and issue the recommendation letters.

Yours sincerely

Zac Skaria

2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 

A. Gurmeet Kaur is an aspiring candidate for a public-funded engineering college in the suburbs.

She belongs to a nearby village, has minimal technical skills and exposure, has the required cut-off percentage, and is looking for a complete or partial scholarship. Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words, analyzing her SWOT notes to support your stand on whether she should join/not join the college.

Solution: In support of the decision:

The given information illustrates the options Gurmeet would weigh in order to take the right decision about her admission in a public-funded engineering college. With availability of strong curriculum, quality faculty and vibrant Activity Clubs, she will be assured of an enriching educational journey. Though hostel facility is unavailable, she may take up accommodation in the suburbs or choose to travel daily from her village. Good opportunities of practice-based research, partnership with professional companies and international students exchange program will enhance her professional and interpersonal skills. Hard work, responsible behaviour and prudent decision-making could help Gurmeet thrive in the college even though it has a rigid and conventional culture.The strengths and opportunities work in favour of Gurmeet. Taking this opportunity will allow her to mend the incorrect public perception towards public-funded colleges and students’ outlook towards technical subjects. (129 words)

Against the decision:

The given information indicates Gurmeet’s dilemma about seeking admission in a public- funded college. Though equipped with a strong curriculum, engaging activity clubs and an able faculty, the college lacks diversity and good conduct among the students,giving rise to concerns of safe environment for a novice like Gurmeet. Underutilization of IT services will be further detrimental to the progress of Gurmeet’s educational journey and add to extra costs related to research work. If she does not qualify for a complete or partial scholarship, arrangement of own accommodation and additional expense of students exchange programme will increase her expenditure, too. Such a college environmentmay dampen her endeavouring spirit. The weakness and threats outweigh the strengths, in case of Gurmeet. So, it is recommended that Gurmeet does not apply for admission to the said college. (139 words)

B. Read the following excerpt from an online post of a website on educational practices. 

Kids who appreciate how much effort, time and care goes into growing food will understand how important farmers are, and why it's important to take care of our Earth. In the world of today, gardening needs to be given more importance than sports, music and dance in all schools because it creates environmental stewards and outdoor learning laboratories that help the child and community for years to come. Write a paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the given argument. You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include rationale / evidence that would strengthen / counter the given argument.

Solution: Argument FOR the subject of the statement:

In the world of today, gardening needs to be given more importance than sports, music and dance in all schools. While sports, music and dance contribute towards personal growth, the current times mandate attention towards an issue that is global ---nature and natural processes. With growing food wastage in many homes today and the urban young believing that vegetables are grown, harvested at the super markets, the efforts of the farmers are discredited. Gardening at school will open a world of first-hand learning experiences of sowing, watering and harvesting processes. Waiting for the saplings to grow will inculcate sensitivity, patience, empathy, gratitudeand value for one’s hard work. They will feel accountable for their piece of Mother Earth, resulting in making them efficient and enterprising environmental stewards. Unlike sports, music or dance, gardening goes beyond just enjoyment to create aware and responsible citizens of the future. (148 words)

Argument AGAINST the subject of the statement:

Gardening,certainly, should not be given precedence over sports, music and dance in all schools.Gardening at school requires good planning with hands-on guidance and continued supervision by the teachers. Students tend to lose interest due to the slow and natural growth progress of plants as well as the investment of continuous hard work.Small targets or goals would be missing whereas the danger of destruction of their work due to rains, intrusion of grazing animals or a pest attack is like to set in a feeling of defeat. It may be noted that sports, music and dance are uplifting activities which display faster results, are enjoyable and inculcate team spirit, collaboration and confidence. Unlike gardening, setbacks in these activities can be addressed with some sense of personal control. These activities help students express and de-stress successfully. So, maintaining their due importance in the school’s co-curriculum is imperative.

Section C - Literature 

Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given.

“Hey, a tea garden!” Rajvir cried excitedly. Pranjol, who had been born and brought up on a plantation, didn’t share Rajvir’s excitement. “Oh, this is tea country now,” he said. “Assam has the largest concentration of plantations in the world. You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!” “I have been reading as much as I could about tea,” Rajvir said. “No one really knows who discovered tea but there are many legends.” 

I. Why was Pranjol not as excited as Rajvir about the tea gardens?

A. He disliked looking at tea gardens. 

B. He had worked in tea gardens himself. 

C. He had grown up in and around tea gardens. 

D. He was bored with tea gardens.

Solution: i. C. He had grown up in and around tea gardens.

II. What does Pranjol mean by saying that Assam has the largest concentration of plantations in the world? 

Solution: ii. ...that the cultivation/harvesting (or any similar suitable word) (of tea) is the highest in one place namely Assam. 

III. Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only. 

Pranjol ……………. comes through clearly when he exclaims, “You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!” 

Solution: iii. frustration/irritation/ exasperation (or any suitable word) compatible with the exclamation mark in the sentence. 

IV. How according to Rajvir does the world know about the discovery of tea?

A. Historical places

B. Traditional tales

C. Authentic anecdotes

D. Popular publications

Solution: iv. B. Traditional tales

v. Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word ‘cried’ as used in line 1 of the extract.

A. Jaspreet cried a lot in spite of winning second place in a competition.

B. Jaspreet cried out loud when she saw a white tiger in the sanctuary.

C. Jaspreet cried for hours when the police were unable to find her lost pet.

D. Jaspreet has barely cried since she was three years of age.

Solution: v. B. Jaspreet cried out loud when she saw a white tiger in the sanctuary

OR 

B OMEGA: It shall be done, Sir. Remove vitamins. (Crew takes vitamins from boxes on their belts.) Present vitamins.(They hold vitamins out in front of them, stiffly.) Swallow vitamins. (They pop the vitamins into their mouths and gulp simultaneously. They open their eyes wide, their heads shake, and they put their hands to their foreheads.) 

THINK-TANK: Excellent. Now, decipher that code.

ALL: It shall be done, Sir. (They frown over the book, turning pages.)

OMEGA: (brightly) Aha!

IOTA: (brightly) Oho!

OOP: (bursting into laughter) Ha, ha, ha.

THINK-TANK: What does it say? Tell me this instant. Transcribe, Omega.

(The Book that Saved the Earth)

i. Select the option that correctly captures the usage of the word ‘present’ from line 1 of the extract.

A. Oops received a nice present from Think Tank.

B. Iota needs to present his opinion firmly.

C. Omega must focus on the present and leave the past behind.

D. Oops didn’t know anyone even though a crowd was present.

Solution: i. B. Iota needs to present his opinion firmly.

ii. Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the text frown: smile:: gloomily:……………

Solution: ii. frown: smile: gloomily: brightly

iii. Select the option that displays the reason why all crew members were asked to have vitamins. In order to -

A. boost their physical energies.

B. adapt to their circumstances.

C. quickly turns all the pages.

D. accomplish a specific task.

Solution: iii. D. accomplish a specific task.

iv. According to the extract, what did THINK-TANK most likely want OMEGA to do when he said ‘Transcribe…’?

1. read aloud

2. translate

3. make notes

4. interpret

5. record reactions

Select the correct option.

A. 1 & 3

B. 2 & 4

C. Only 3

D. 1, 4 and 5

Solution: B. 2 & 4

v. The playwright places certain words and sentences in brackets in the given extract.

List any ways these benefit both the director and actors. 

i)…………………….

ii)……………….

Solution:

• Help actors and director gain clarity about the emotions and gestures required while performing /directing
• Helps with understanding stage setting and movements (Or any other suitable explanation) (accept any two for full 1 mark)

2. Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given. 

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. (The Trees)

i. Complete the sentence appropriately. 

It is clear that Personification is the poetic device used for ‘No sun bury its feet….’ because. (Clue: explain how personification applies here)

Solution: i. ...the sun, which is non-human, is attributed to the human feature of having feet. (Accept any synonyms giving a similar/ correct meaning)

ii. The poet has used a poetic device in the given lines. What effect does she wish to create by its use? …no bird could sit no insect hide no sun…

A. emphasis

B. comparison

C. rhyme

D. humor

Solution: ii. A. emphasis

iii. State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE: 

The extract uses trees as a symbol for conservative people.

Solution: iii. FALSE

iv. Select the appropriate option to complete the sentence, according to the extract. The idea of a forest that has been ‘empty all these days’ is.

A. unnatural

B. scary

C. magical

D. legendary

Solution: iv. A. Unnatural

V. How does the use of enjambment impact this extract?

A. It forces frequent pauses.

B. It simplifies the meaning.

C. It builds momentum.

D. It makes the lines lyrical

Solution: v. C. It builds momentum

OR

But I can get a hair dye And set such color there, Brown or black, or carrot, That young men in despair May love me for myself alone And not my yellow hair.” 

i. What is the poet’s tone in the extract?

1. thoughtful

2. authoritative

3. agitated

4. insulting

5. argumentative

Select the appropriate option.

A. 1, 4

B. 3, 5

C. 2, 4

D. 1, 5

Solution: i. C. 3, 5 (agitated and argumentative) 

ii. What causes the young men to ‘despair’, according to the extract?

Solution: ii. Being hopelessly in love / the uncertain in love/ Unsure of the return of their affections

iii. Identify the reason for the speaker’s need to color her hair, as per the extract.

A. Her control over what makes her look beautiful.

B. Her desire to be loved for inner beauty

C. Her need to change people’s perception of beauty

D. Her conviction that she is beautiful inside

Solution: iii. D. Her conviction that she is beautiful inside

iv. Complete the analogy about the speaker’s hair.

yellow: blonde :: : carrot: ………

Solution: yellow: blonde :: orange /red : carrot (either one can be accepted for full one mark)

v. Select the sentence in which the word ‘set’ is used in a similar manner as line 2 of the extract.

A. I want to set him up and get my work done this time.

B. Do you have another set of the books that I can read?

C. The dessert needs to set for two hours before being served.

D. The set for the school play looked quite grand.

Solution: v. C. The dessert needs to set for two hours before being served. 

VI Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each.

i. Validate the given statement with reference to baby seagull’s fear. ‘Fear doesn’t exist anywhere else other than one’s mind.’ (His First Flight- Two Stories about Flying)

Solution: 

• The baby seagull could not take his first flight as he was scared that his wings will not support his body weight
• Saw his family fly –Yet, the fear of falling down gripped his mind—it overpowered any sense of assurance or example

Result—was too scared to even try 

II. Explain why the poet personally holds the conviction that the world will primarily end in fire?(Fire and Ice)

Solution:

• He was a victim of the fiery aspect of desire.
• By his own admission, (From what I’ve tasted ……) he had experienced its destructive effects in his life.

iii. Valli’s unique maiden bus ride experience could be possible because she belonged to a small village. Do you agree? Why? /Why not? (2 reasons) (Madam Rides a Bus)

Solution:

Agree:

• A bus ride seemed like a fascinating means of recreation and adventure ---unlike cities and bigger towns.
• She could travel alone safely –unfortunately, not recommended in larger townships or cities.
• There was only one bus that Valli observed several times – cities have varied means of transport that might seem more adventurous

Disagree:

• The fascination for riding a bus or an automobile can exist in children of Valli’s age even in big cities.
• Traveling unnoticed is easier in large cities than in small towns or villages due to familiarity
• Cities would offer more opportunities for a bus ride due to the availability and frequency of several buses on the same route.

iv. Give one reason why ‘The TaleofCustardtheDragon’ is more a fable than a ballad.

Solution: 

• A fable is a fictitious narrative usually with animals, birds, etc as characters, and shares a strong message whereas a ballad is a narrative verse that can be silly or heroic.
• The TaleofCustardtheDragon includes animals, is surely fictitious, and shares a meaningful message. Hence, better qualifies as a fable.

v. How can we say that Natalya was continuously successful in maintaining an upper hand during her arguments with Lomov? (Any one example) (The Proposal) 

Solution: Upper hand –

• She was able to answer every query and present anargument defeating the one presented by Lomov.

Arguments--

• Argument about ownership of Oxen meadows –Natalya argued that it is a matter of principle and notgreed.
• She showed conviction and belief while arguing.

OR

• Argument about dogs – Natalya argued that her dog was cheaper, was of better breed and could run faster.
• Never lost cool while presenting her arguments.

VII Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 

i. Dr. Herriot knew his patients as well as their owners really well. Discuss. (The Triumph of Surgery)

Solution:Patients --Dr. Herriot could understand the problems of his patients (dogs) just be observing-- saw Tricki in the market and understood that the dog requires help.

• Owners--He understood the owner (Mrs.Pumphrey) well and never spoke any harsh and advising words on the seriously obese dog- knowing fully well that she was responsible for this condition

ii. State one likely reason the writer of The Midnight Visitor chose to characterise Ausable as short and fat.

Solution:

• Ausable-- characterised as short and fat as the writer wants to draw attention to and emphasise his wits and mental ability to handle any grave situation [Ausable was able to successfully plant a story of a non-existent balcony and also made the agile and smart Max believe it ---didn’t require an attractive physique to do this.]
• The writer, perhaps, wanted to give a strong message that the brain is what counts more than brawn/ muscle power OR brain power is far more potent/effective than any other type of power muscle/arms etc.

iii. Validate the importance of small, fun learning tasks towards successful careers, in the context of Richard Ebright in The Making of a Scientist.

Solution:

• Started the collection and breeding of butterflies as a fun activity.
• Got curious about the gold spots and the secretion from them.
• Was able to develop a theory of cell structure and later DNA because of it.
• Fun learning resulted in a career as a renowned successful scientist.

VIII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 

i. Mijbil and the Tiger, both were looked after by humans. Assume they both meet each other in the zoo and have a conversation about their lifestyle and feelings. Write this conversation as per your understanding of Mijbil the Otter and A Tiger in the Zoo. You may begin like this Tiger: Thanks for visiting me, though I don’t usually like visitors. Mijbil: Oh? I would love visitors, I think.

Solution: Mijbil-

• Happy about his life with his owner as a pet—perhaps would be scared to be out in the wild –wouldn’t know how to survive
• Gets to play/go for walks.
• Enjoys meals and company of the owner – exists peacefully in the company of his owner

Tiger

• Unhappy in captivity-- blames humans for caging him—wished they’d know the value of peaceful coexistence.
• Longing to be free and in natural habitat –perhaps wouldn’t wish to be tamed as a pet.
• Gets disturbed by the human activity

OR

ii. “Not from weeping nor from grieving will anyone obtain peace of mind’.If you had to use the message of the given quote from the Buddha’ssermon (The Sermon at Benares) to help the boy cope with the loss of his ball and what it signifies (The Ball Poem), what would you include in your advice? Also, evaluate why it might be difficult for him to understand the notion.

Solution: The learning from the referenced quote of Buddha--

• the loss of irreplaceable things brings grief and sorrow.
• learning to stay calm and understanding the perishable/mortal nature of things helps in living life normally and forgetting loss.

To help the boy cope with the loss --- that loss is an important part of life –important to learn from experience –adapt and move on.

Difficult for the boy to understand the notion--- The boy is too young to understand the depth of these words-- is alone in his loss has no one to explain and must learn from his experience painstakingly--requires time to cope ---easy to feel disheartened at that age.

IX Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 

i. Fiction writers prefer creating grey characters rather than black and white. Analyze this in detail, with reference to both the characters of The Thief’s Story

Solution: Introductory – Both characters in the story—neither completely black (negative) nor white (ideal)—have redeeming qualities as well as those that need improvement—the story reveals both their personas as grey. 

Hari Singh • Thief—artful - too smart for his age - fooled his victims and police --Wasn’t ashamed in lying and stealing –made no efforts to confess that he had given in to the temptation of stealing the notes, However, • Changed due to love, affection and Anil’s trust The character of Hari Singh—not a flat character who is either black or white. 

Anil -While we can admire Anil for his qualities --helpful and simple --easily trusting --forgave the thief -- never uttered a word despite knowledge of the theft, However,  Not perfect--casual about money --ignored Hari Singh’s pilfering The character of Hari Singh—not a flat character who is either black or white. 

Conclusion—Grey characters present a challenge to the readers, allow a sense of unpredictability and present a moral challenge. Hari Singh and Anil are created as grey characters. 

OR

ii. ‘Honour among thieves’ is considered a popular code. Examine A Question of Trust as a story woven around this code.

Solution: Honour among thieves---It is believed that thieves never double cross each other/ commit crimes against each other—would be inclined to help rather than betray each other 

The protagonist, Horace Danby was careful and meticulous in his theft which he conducted once a year  didn’t anticipate the role of the lady in red.

The Lady in red made a fool of him -- in spite of being a thief herself, she did not follow the code of honor normally existing between two thieves This resulted in Horace Danby going to prison for the first time in his life---he felt betrayed.