CBSE Class 10 English Question Paper 2023-24 SET 2
Series BADC2/2
Question Paper Code 2/1/1 Set 1
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
(Session 2023-24)
Time allowed : 3 hours
Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions : Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follw them:
1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. The question paper contains THREE sections-
Section - A : Reading Skills
Section - B : Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section - C : Literature Text Book
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
SECTION - A
READING SKILLS (20 Marks)
1. Read the following text :
(1) Fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas) are our most traditional sources for power generation. The energy that’s produced from any source other than fossil fuels is termed as alternative energy. Between the two sources, using alternative energy has a lower environmental impact.
(2) We now know that alternative energy sources are the sources we use to supplement or even replace traditional energy sources used for power generation. You could almost say the same thing about renewable energy sources. But there is one subtle difference between the two. All renewable energy sources fall under the category of alternative energy sources, but it doesn’t work the other way
around.
(3) That’s because renewable energy sources are derived from naturally replenished sources or processes of Earth, such as the sun, wind, and water. We refer to these resources as renewable or sustainable since, unlike fossil fuels, this naturally occurring continual renewal makes them inexhaustible. However, alternative energy sources are exhaustible, and therefore not renewable. That’s the difference !
(4) The equipment necessary to harness energy from alternative sources used to be so expensive that it wasn’t practical for consumer use. However, thanks to increased demand, more experienced energy developers, competitive supply chains, improved renewable technologies, and enhanced energy efficiency capabilities, that’s no longer the case.
(5) When it comes to energy efficiency, the leader of the renewable energy pack is wind energy. Behind wind comes geothermal energy, hydropower, nuclear energy, and then solar power. Wind power serves both individuals and entire communities. It is versatile, and can be produced from small-scale windmills or wind turbines on residential properties. It can also be produced from large-scale offshore wind farms in the ocean.
(6) We generate geothermal power by tapping into underground reservoirs of hot water and steam. Geothermal electricity can directly heat and cool buildings. Generated from the energy of moving water, hydroelectricity (also known as hydropower) is produced when water behind a dam causes turbine blades to move as it flows through an intake. The turbine blades then rotate a generator to produce electricity that is sent to power homes.
(7) Nuclear energy is created in the form of heat through the fission process of atoms. The initial fission process creates energy and triggers a chain reaction that repeats the process and generates more energy. In nuclear power plants, the heat that fission produces creates steam. The steam then rotates a turbine, which leads to the production of electricity.
(8) Solar power most commonly refers to the use of solar cells to create energy. On a small scale, you may see a few solar panels on a house roof used to produce energy for just that one home. On a larger scale, you may see a solar farm used as a power plant to produce electricity for its consumers.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
(i) Which of the following statements best describes the difference between renewable energy sources and alternate energy sources ?
(A) Alternative energy sources are more expensive than renewable energy sources.
(B) Renewable energy sources are inexhaustible whereas alternate energy sources could be exhaustible.
(C) Alternative energy sources are as renewable as renewable energy sources.
(D) Renewable energy sources are exhaustible but alternative energy sources are inexhaustible.
(ii) What is the tone of the writer in the given lines from para (4) ?
Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
“However, thanks to increased demand, more experienced energy developers, competitive supply chains, improved renewable technologies, and enhanced energy efficiency capabilities, that’s no longer the case”.
(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately :
In the past, alternative energy sources were not used much by the consumers because ____.
(iv) The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a) to (e) below, identify two sets of antonyms :
(a) generate and produce
(b) exhaustible and inexhaustible
(c) subtle and versatile
(d) power and energy
(e) sustainable and exhaustible
(v) Who is the leader of renewable energy pack and why ?
(vi) Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in about 40 words, the difference between geothermal electricity and hydroelectricity.
(vii) What is the message conveyed by the passage ?
(A) Only those energy sources should be used which are renewable.
(B) Wind energy is a renewable as well as inexhaustible source of energy.
(C) There are plenty of renewable energy sources that can be used to replace traditional energy sources.
(D) Alternative energy sources are the emerging energy trends and are still evolving.
(viii) State whether the following statement is True or False with reference to the given extract.
Hydroelectricity as a renewable energy source is used for residential as well as commercial purposes.
2. Read the passage given below :
(1) Mango (Mangifera indica) is Asia’s most popular fruit, and it has gained popularity around the world. It has long been a component of culture and religion as a useful and tasty fruit. In addition to taste, it has many good qualities thus making it to be called as “King of Fruits”. Major mango-growing states in India include Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are the leading states in mango production.
(2) Mango is grown in an area of 5.58 million hectares of area in the world. India is the largest producer of mangoes with 46.02 and 45.88 percent of the total world area and production, respectively. However, India being the major shareholder in terms of mango production, exports only 0.52% of its total production indicating the huge gap in exporting of mangoes. Peru exports about 46%, Thailand 24%, Mexico 18% and Brazil 11% of their total mango production. These countries are the bigger challenges for Indian mango exports. Hence, efforts are needed to evolve cheap transportation mechanism, increase the trade agreements with major importing countries and enhance the productivity.
(3) The top importing country is United States of America, however, India exports only two percent of its total exports to the USA. The USA, European countries, the UK, Malaysia and Russia can be the other hotspots where India can target to export the mangoes. The critical issue for exporting to the USA is transportation cost (due to sea route distance) and limited shelf life of mango, while for Europe
transportation costs as well as competition by African countries are the major hurdles.
The following chart shows the major export destinations of Indian mangoes in 2019-20 :
Table :
Major Export Destination of Indian Mangoes in 2019-20 :
(Adapted for academic usage.)
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :
(i) Complete the following analogy appropriately, based on your understanding of Para (1) :
We can say that for becoming the king of jungle, Lion has to be the strongest, bravest and the fiercest. Similarly, Mango is known as the king of fruits because ____.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets, based on your understanding of Para (2) :
The statement that, India is the largest producer of Mangoes with 45.88 percent of the total world production can be attributed to Indian
orchardists, is a/an ____ (fact/opinion) because it is a/an ____ (subjective judgement/objective detail)
(iii) Justify the following in about 40 words :
India being the major shareholder in terms of mango production, exports only 0.52% of its total production.
(iv) Based on the table, which three countries were at par with each other in terms of mango import from India in 2019-20 ?
(v) The top mango importing country is the U.S.A., however, India exports only two percent of its total exports to the U.S.A. State any one inference that can be drawn from this.
(vi) In the given sentence taken from para-2, select the option that correctly replaces the underlined word, with its most likely antonym.
These countries are the bigger challenges for Indian mango exports.
(A) enigmas
(B) solutions
(C) provocations
(D) disputes
(vii) Why is India described as the largest producer of mangoes in the world ?
(Answer in about 40 words.)
(viii) Which of the following is the main takeaway from the study mentioned in the passage ?
(A) India needs to produce more mangoes so that more can be exported.
(B) The UAE imported most mangoes from India in 2019-20.
(C) India is the largest producer of mangoes and by putting in more efforts, has the potential to be the largest exporter too.
(D) More study is needed to find ways to increase the export of mangoes from India.
SECTION - B
GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (20 Marks)
GRAMMAR
3. Complete any ten of the following twelve tasks, as directed :
(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter :
Therefore, I request you to please consider this request of ____ (construct) a park in our society so that each and every person can benefit and we can enjoy a healthy environment amidst the concrete jungle.
(ii) Read the given sentence from an article on Yoga. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence :
Yoga should help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, all of which are not good for your heart and blood vessels.
Use the given format for your response.
(iii) Manthan and Sonalika had a conversation about Sonalika’s job interview.
Report Manthan’s question.
How are you preparing for the interview ?
(iv) Read the dialogue between Meher and her mother, regarding Meher’s dance classes.
Mother : Are you enjoying your dance classes ?
Meher : Oh Yes !I am loving it. It is so refreshing to attend them after a long day.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
Meher’s mother asked her ____. In response, Meher exclaimed and said that she was loving it. She added that it was very refreshing to attend them after a long day.
(A) whether the dance classes were being enjoyed by her
(B) whether she is enjoying her dance classes
(C) whether she was enjoying her dance classes
(D) whether the dance classes are being enjoyed by her
(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the line of a circular issued by an organization, to its stakeholders.
In order to enable the stakeholders to ____ (access/assess/accent) all the applicable circulars at one place, the provisions of the circulars issued till January 6, 2024, are incorporated in this master circular.
(vi) Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence from a company’s orientation programme :
A founder’s goal, during the first phase, is to learn how to obtain feedback on low prospective and real customers are experience the product.
Use the given format for your response.
(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for a line from a Research Report :
In many low and middle income countries, health coverage has improved dramatically in the last two decades, but health outcomes may not.
(viii) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
Excited about his newly earned powers, Midas started touching all kinds of things, ____ each item into pure gold.
(A) to turning
(B) turning
(C) turned
(D) turns
(ix) Report the dialogue between two friends, Nidhi and Neha, by completing the sentence :
Nidhi - Have you mastered the art of cooking Chinese food ?
Neha - Yes, indeed ! I have been cooking Chinese food for a month.
Nidhi asked Neha if she had mastered the art of cooking Chinese food. Neha answered in the affirmative and explained that ____.
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the part of the disclaimer given in a textbook :
The authors of the book ____ all reasonable care to ensure that the contents of the book do not violate any copyright or other intellectual property rights of any person in any manner.
(A) has been taking
(B) have taken
(C) has taken
(D) have been took
(xi) Complete the slogan, by filling in the blank with the correct option :
Planting a tree is a very noble deed and ____ the earth from global warming !
(A) saves
(B) saving
(C) had saved
(D) should save
(xii) Identify the error and supply correction for the following note in a toaster’s instruction manual :
Use this appliance only for its intentional use as described in this manual. Do not use attachments that are not recommended by the manufacturer.
Use the given format for your response.
CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (10 Marks)
4. (a) As Nalini Sharda of 409, Surya Apartments, Gopalpur, you believe that pedestrian safety is very important. Footpaths on both sides of
the main roads of your city need major repairs and on some stretches they need to be constructed.
Write a letter to the MLA of your city area, in about 120 words, stressing the need for footpaths for pedestrian safety. Share your concern for maintenance of existing footpaths and the need to construct new ones where they are required.
OR
(b) As Sohail Khan, the sports captain of Pinnacle Public School, you believe that fitness as a lifestyle should be promoted. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, suggesting the introduction of “Cycle to School” campaign for school going students.
The programme aims to develop the habit of exercising through cycling to maintain fitness and keeping children active. Share the importance and credibility of such a programme and suggest a feasible way to execute it along with possible activities.
5. (a) An area is believed to be water stressed when annual water supplies drop below 1700 cubic metres per person per year. As per an analysis, we are already surviving with around 1700-1800 cubic metres per year. As our demand for water has increased drastically over the years, per capita water availability has taken a beating.
Based on the given table, write an analytical paragraph, in about 120 words, analyzing the possible causes of water scarcity in the future.
Table on water availability
OR
(b) There are many types of bottles available in the market. This chart compares the disadvantages and advantages of various types of bottles. Based on the chart, write an analytical paragraph, in about 120 words, analyzing the pros and cons of each and selecting a suitable one.
(Adapted for academic purpose.)
Section - C (40 Marks)
Literature
6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two:
(a) The train pulled out of the station — Pranjol buried his nose in his detective book again. Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective stories but, at the moment he was keener on looking at the beautiful scenery. It was green, green everywhere. Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before. Then the soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes. It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of
densely wooded hills a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall, sturdy, shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures.
(Glimpses of India - Tea from Assam)
(i) State any one inference about Rajvir from the given context :
“Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective stories, but at the moment he was keen on looking at the beautiful scenery.”
(ii) State True or False :
The reason Rajvir was interested in looking at the beautiful scenery was that the detective book he was reading, was not interesting.
(iii) People who live in big cities are always fascinated by the natural beauty and abundant greenery. Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract.
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘doll-like figures’, in the given sentence from the extract ?
Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures.
OR
(b) I went back to the bazaar and sat down in the shelter of the clock tower. The clock showed midnight. I felt for the notes. They were damp from the rain.
Anil’s Money. In the morning he would probably have given me two or three rupees to go to the cinema, but now I had it all. I couldn’t cook his meals, run to the bazaar, or learn to write whole sentences any more. I had forgotten about them in the excitement of the theft. Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal- and sometimes just as simple to be caught.
(The Thiefs Story)
(i) Which of the following is NOT a reason why Hari Singh thinks he would not be able to write whole sentences ?
(A) Anil would not be there to teach him.
(B) He had robbed Anil and left.
(C) He would not go back to Anil to learn.
(D) He had no money to take admission in school.
(ii) Why is it fair to say that Hari Singh’s tone, when he says “I couldn’t cook his meals, run to the bazaar or learn to write whole sentences any more,” is filled with remorse and regret ? Answer in about 40 words.
(iii) What do you infer about Hari Singh from this statement ?
“Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees.”
(iv) State True or False with reference to the given extract.
The reason Hari Singh was filled with a feeling of guilt was because Anil trusted him.
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two:
(a) The true Chameleon is small
A lizard sort of thing;
He hasn’t any ears at all,
And not a single wing,
If there is nothing on the tree,
‘Tis the Chameleon you see.
(How To Tell Wild Animals)
(i) ‘Fill in the blank with one word :
When the speaker says “If there is nothing on the tree, “Tis the Chameleon you see”, he refers to ____ as characteristic trait of a true Chameleon.
(ii) What does the speaker mean when he says, “A lizard sort of thing” ?
(iii) Which of the following best describes the speaker’s disposition while describing the Chameleon ?
(A) indifferent
(B) playful
(C) dismissive
(D) respectful
(iv) Comment on the poet’s use of language in these lines. Answer in about 40 words.
OR
(b) My head is full of whispers
Which tomorrow will be silent.
Listen. The glass is breaking.
The trees are stumbling forward
into the night. Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror,
its pieces flash now in the crown
of the tallest Oak.
(The Trees)
(i) Identify the figure of speech used in the line : “The Trees are stumbling forward into the night”.
(ii) Explain the significance of the line :
“The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest Oak.” Answer in about 40 words.
(iii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. In the third line, the word ‘Listen’ is used to ____.
(A) serve no purpose but to complete the sentence.
(B) emphasize listening carefully to the sound of glass breaking.
(C) emphasize listening carefully as a change is about to take place.
(D) make the reader more attentive.
(iv) What does the line : “My head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent” tell us about the poet’s state of mind ?
8. Answer any four of the following five questions, in 40-50 words each :
(i) What idea does the Postmaster come up with ? What did he do to stick to his resolution ? (A Letter to God)
(ii) Briefly bring out the contrast between the young seagull’s initial attempts to fly and his first successful flight. (His First Flight)
(iii) Explain why Amanda wants to be an orphan. Refer to the given lines, from the text - I am an orphan, roaming the street. I pattern
soft dust with my hushed, bare feet. The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet. (Amanda)
(iv) Mijbil turned out to be a playful pet. Elaborate. (Mijbil the Otter)
(v) Ogden Nash uses vivid imagery in ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ to appeal to the senses. Elaborate the imagery used for the Pirate.
9. Answer any two out of the following three questions, in 40-50 words each :
(i) What does Mr. Herriot mean by “happy period” for himself and his partners ? Explain. (A Triumph of Surgery)
(ii) Justify how Ebright’s mother played an important part in his becoming a scientist. (The Making of a Scientist)
(iii) A well known book of nursery rhymes saved the world from a Martian invasion. Comment with reference to ‘The Book that Saved
the Earth’.
10. Answer any one of the following two questions, in 100-120 words :
(i) A desire is more personal whereas a vision has broader connotations, You have been asked to present an analysis of Valli’s desire and
Mandela’s vision and how they are respectively fulfilled. Write this presentation draft including your insights, in about 120 words, comparing the approaches of both Valli and Mandela.
You may begin like this :
One acknowledges that both, Valli and Mandela ____ however,
(Reference - Nelson Mandela - A Long Walk to Freedom & Madam Rides a Bus)
OR
(b) You have been chosen to address the student gathering from the nearby schools, to speak on “How to Deal with Loss - Personal or Material”. Prepare the speech draft in not more than 120 words, with reference to the commonality of themes in John Benyman’s. ‘The Ball Poem’ and ‘A Sermon at Benaras’.
You may begin this way -
Good Morning everyone. Today, I'd like to discuss two pieces of literature that offer a powerful insight into how we can learn to deal with loss.
You may end in this way -
To conclude, I’d like to say that -
Thank you.
11. Answer any one of the following two questions, in 100-120 words:
(a) Imagine that Griffin’s conscience pricks him and he decides to write a diary entry, about misusing science and endangering society, in the context of his own experience.
Write this diary entry, as Griffin, in about 120 words.
(Reference - Footprints without Feet by H.G. Wells)
OR
(b) A character arc is the transformation or development of a character throughout a story and refers to the changes a character undergoes as a result of their experiences, challenges, and interactions with other characters.
In the light of the above information, trace the character arc of Matilda in Guy De Maupassants’ ‘The Necklace’, in about 120 words.