CBSE Class 10 English Question Paper 2023-24 SET 4
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)
Read the following passage carefully :
(1) Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products most visible in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. But the developed world, especially in countries with low recycling rates, also has trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so ubiquitous that it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the United Nations.
(2) Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old. Production and development of thousands of new plastic products accelerated after World War II. It transformed the modern age so much that life without plastics is unrecognizable today. Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space travel possible, lightened cars and jets saving fuel and pollution and saved lives with helmets, incubators, and equipment for clean drinking water.
(3) The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture : today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, have a lifespan of mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
(4) Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth's last sink, flows from land. Trash is also carried to sea by major rivers, which act as conveyor belts, picking up more and more trash as they move downstream. Once at sea, much of the plastic trash remains in coastal waters. But once caught up in ocean currents, it can be transported around the world.
(5) Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabirds eats plastics. Most of the deaths of animals are caused by entanglement or starvation. Seals, whales, turtles, and other animals are strangled by abandoned fishing gear or discarded six-pack rings.
(6) The solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place, many scientists and conservationists - including the National Geographic Society - say. This could be accomplished with improved waste management systems and recycling, better product design that takes into account the short life of disposable packaging, and reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
(i) Which of the following statements best describes the reason
why plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues ?
(A) Plastic trash collection systems have become inefficient or nonexistent.
(B) Rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products
(C) Some plastics have a lifespan of mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
(D) The developed world, especially in countries with low recycling rates, has trouble properly collecting plastics.
(ii) What is the tone of the writer in the given lines from paragraph 2 ?
Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
'It transformed the modern age so much that life without plastics is unrecognizable today.'
(iii) The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other.
From the sets (A) (E) below, identify two sets of synonyms.
(A) garbage and trash
(B) starvation and strangled
(C) disposable and reduction
(D) persist and downstream
(E) transformed and revolutionized
(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately :
The writer says that most of the plastic trash is found in the Earth s last sink and the reason it is transported around the world is ______.
(v) Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in about 40 words, the downside of the convenience that plastic offers.
(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately :
According to conservationists, the two ways in which most of the deaths of animals are caused are _____.
(vii) Based on the passage, how can we contribute to the reduction of plastic waste ?
(A) by internationalising the waste management system
(B) by minimizing the use of single-use plastics
(C) by not abandoning fishing gear
(D) by not using helmets made of plastic
(viii) State one reason why plastic pollution is most visible in developing Asian and African nations.
2. Read the following passage carefully :
(1) Rotation of crops is a universal phenomenon which is practised by most of the farmers of the tropical and temperate countries. The main objective of rotation of crops is to obtain higher agricultural returns on the one hand, and to maintain the soil fertility on the other.
(2) In other words, the rotation of crops helps in making agriculture more sustainable. The importance of crop rotation is more in the areas where farmers grow two, or more than two crops in the same field in a year. Irrigation facilities have also been appreciably developed in the country during the last three decades. The availability of water to the arable land has helped in the intensification of agriculture.
(3) In the areas such as Punjab and Haryana, where the Green Revolution is a big success, one soil exhaustive crop (rice) is followed by another soil exhaustive crop (wheat). Subsequently, the field vacated by wheat is devoted to either rice or maize or cotton. Thus, in one year, the farmers are harvesting three soil exhaustive crops from the same field. Such a rotation of crops may fetch more income to the farmers, but depletes the soil fertility at a faster pace.
(4) A number of field studies were conducted to assess the traditional crop rotation pattern. One such field study about the changes in the rotation of crops was conducted in the village Banhera (Tanda), Haridwar district. The main rotation of crops of the village is shown in the table below.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
(i) Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets, based on your understanding of para 2.
One of the reasons that there has been an intensification of agriculture in the country is the development of irrigation facilities is a/an _____ (fact/opinion) because it is a/an _____ (subjective judgement/objective detail).
(ii) Based on your understanding of paras 1 and 2, state whether the following statement is true or false.
If proper irrigation facility is provided, higher agricultural returns can be obtained by making crop rotation more sustainable.
(iii) Justify the following in about 40 words.
Crop rotation may fetch more income to the farmers, but depletes the soil fertility at a faster pace.
(iv) Based on the table, mention the years when the land was left fallow for maximum number of days.
(v) The study conducted in village Banhera (Tanda) reflects that during the years 1960 to 1965, from April to June, the land was left fallow or uncultivated throughout. State any one inference that can be drawn from this.
(vi) Select the option that correctly states the significance of crop rotation as given below :
(1) Crop rotation is done to obtain higher agricultural returns.
(2) Higher agricultural returns can be obtained by harvesting soil exhaustive crops.
(3) Crop rotation demands that land should be left fallow for a few months to increase the fertility of soil.
(4) Better irrigation facility to the arable land has helped in the intensification of agriculture.
(5) If crops to be harvested are chosen wisely, crop rotation can help in maintaining fertility of soil.
Options :
(A) (1), (2) and (4)
(B) (1) only
(C) (3) and (5)
(D) (1) and (5)
(vii) Crop rotation is helping in making agriculture more sustainable. Mention one benefit and one drawback of crop
rotation. (Answer in about 40 words)
(viii) Which of the following is the main takeaway from the study mentioned in the passage ?
(A) The study needs to include more valid data to support the practice of crop rotation.
(B) Crop rotation is a sustainable practice that can transform the agricultural sector.
(C) The impact of crop rotation on been thoroughly explained.
(D) Crop rotation is independent of the type of crops harvested and availability of water for irrigation.
SECTION - B
GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (20 Marks)
GRAMMAR
3. Complete any ten of the following twelve tasks, as directed.
(i) Read the given sentence from a science journal. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence.
'When nutrition therapy is provided by a qualified professional, people could learn how to make better food choices.'
Use the given format for your response.
(ii) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets, for the given portion of a letter.
Please keep me _____ (apprise) of your next step to address this matter. Thanks for your time.
(iii) Sunanda and Pushkar had a conversation about their travels.
Report Pushkar s question.
Have you ever been to Peri Bagh ?
(iv) Read the dialogue between Vilakshna and her physician, Dr. Sharnani, regarding the effectiveness of her medication.
Dr. Sharnani : How is your acid reflux problem now ?
Vilakshna : I'd tried everything without success, but this new medicine is great.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
Dr. Sharnani asked Vilakshna about her acid reflux problem to which Vilakshna replied that she tried everything without
success, ____.
(A) but she found the new medicine to be great
(B) but she thought that this new medicine was great
(C) but the new medicine was great
(D) but that new medicine was great
(v) Identify the error and supply the correction for the given sentence from a private coaching institute's advertisement.
Are you living a happy life ? Do you want to find your identification ? Do you want to enhance your career ?
Use the given format for your response.
Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the line from an insurance company brochure.
Suitable for someone who wishes to _____ (insure/assure/ensure) adequate financial backup. It is available to the family in case of his/her untimely death.
(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for a pop-up that appeared on a webpage.
These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allows us to remember you.
(viii) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option.
I _____ watching that programme every week since it started.
(A) has been
(B) had
(C) have been
(D) was been
(ix) Report the following dialogue between two friends who are visiting a museum, by completing the sentence.
Auronima : What are you staring at ?
Soumitra : I am in awe of this beautiful painting! I have not seen anything like this before.
Auronima asked Soumitra what he was staring at. Soumitra exclaimed that he was in awe of the beautiful painting and that _____.
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the weather warning given by the IMD.
IMD on Sunday ____ a 'thunderstrome' alert for some districts in coastal Maharashtra in view of the extremely severe
cyclonic storm Biparjoy gushing over the Arabian Sea.
(A) will issue
(B) will be issuing
(C) issued
(D) is issuing
(xi) Complete the slogan, by filling in the blank with the correct option.
When it gets really hot, rain _____ a blessing.
(A) should be
(B) will be
(C) must be
(D) ought to be
(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for the following advertisement of an antivirus software.
A properly installed and maintained antivirus program may wipe out any malware attack, be it a bot, a virus, a Trojan or even ransomware.
Use the given format for your response.
CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (10 Marks)
Note : All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.
Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below :
(a) The problem of speeding traffic on colony roads causing accidents is increasing day by day. As a young citizen, who wants to minimize the accidents caused by them, write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, expressing your concern at the situation and suggesting measures to resolve the problem and drawing attention of the concerned authorities.
You are Samyukta Khanna/Sanjay Khanna of 567, Madhur Apartments, Amar Vihar, Aram Nagar.
OR
(b) As Kaveri Mahajan, of 543, Narmada Apartments, Jeev Nagar, you feel that during the monsoon season all the rain water goes down the drain without being utilized.
Write a letter to the RWA of your society, in about 120 words, suggesting measures to save and preserve rain water emphasizing the importance of saving every drop of water.
5. Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below :
(a) Co-curricular activities help to enhance holistic development and assist in inculcating critical skills and abilities to be successful and happy in the 21st century life and workplace.
Based on the table given below, write an analytical paragraph, in about 120 words, on how co-curricular activities supplement the theoretical curriculum.
OR
(b) Tourism stands as a cornerstone of the nation's development. The following table provides an insight into the multifaceted impact and positive contributions of tourism. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words assessing the significance of tourism.
SECTION - C (40 Marks)
LITERATURE
6. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b) :
(a) For the first twenty-four hours, Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly; he was simply aloof and indifferent, choosing to sleep on the floor as far from my bed as possible. The second night Mijbil came on to my bed in the small hours and remained asleep in the crook of my knees until the servant brought tea in the morning, and during the day he began to lose his apathy and take a keen, much too keen, interest in his surroundings. I made a body-belt for him and took him on a lead to the bathroom, where for half an hour he went wild with joy in the water.
(Mijbil the Otter)
(i) Which of the following is not a reason why Mijbil came on to Maxwell s bed in the small hours ?
(A) He had started taking interest in his surroundings.
(B) He was becoming friendly with Maxwell.
(C) He wanted to play with Maxwell on his bed.
(D) He wanted to feel safe and not remain indifferent.
(ii) Maxwell says that Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly, he was simply aloof and indifferent for the first twenty-four hours. Give reasons in not more than 40 words.
(iii) Read the following descriptions (A) - (D) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.
(A) Owning a pet is tedious and needs commitment.
(B) A pet needs his own space and time to get adjusted to his owner's environment.
(C) Maxwell decided to bring Mijbil because he was very sad to lose his dog.
(D) Maxwell and Mijbil loved travelling.
(iv) Which characteristic trait of otters is revealed when Mijbil is taken to the bathroom ?
OR
(b) The arrival of a stranger at an inn in winter was in any case an unusual event. A stranger of such uncommon appearance set all tongues wagging. Mrs. Hall, the landlord s wife, made every effort to be friendly. But Griffin had no desire to talk, and told her, My reason for coming to Iping is a desire for solitude. I do not wish to be disturbed in my work. Besides, an accident has affected my face. Satisfied that her guest was an eccentric scientist, and in view of the fact that he had paid her in advance, Mrs. Hall was prepared to excuse his strange habits and irritable temper.
(Footprints Without Feet)
(i) State any one inference about Griffin from the given context :
"My reason for coming to Iping is a desire for solitude. I do not wish to be disturbed in my work. Besides, an accident has
affected my face."
(ii) State True or False :
Even though Mrs. Hall was satisfied with Griffin, she was skeptical to excuse his strange habits and irritable temper.
(iii) It was not difficult for Griffin to convince the landlord and his wife about his strange appearance and eccentric behaviour.
Elaborate in about 40 words with reference to the context.
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'set all tongues wagging' in the given sentence from the extract ?
A stranger of such uncommon appearance _____.
7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b) :
(a) But he's locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
(A Tiger in the Zoo)
(i) Why is the tiger stalking the length of his cage ?
(ii) What is the significance of the use of the word 'locked' to describe the concrete cell where the tiger is kept and how does it contrast with the tiger's presence in its natural habitat ? Answer in about 40 words.
(iii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option :
The lines from the poem tell us that the tiger is _____.
(A) enjoying his time in the cell
(B) being indifferent to visitors because it is a daily routine for him
(C) not as strong as his counterpart in the jungle
(D) wanting to be free from the cage
(iv) Identify the type of literary device used in the line :
'But he's locked in a concrete cell'
OR
(b) Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
(i) Comment upon the contrast that is reflected in the last two lines of the extract.
(ii) Fill in the blank with one word.
While describing Ink and Blink, the speaker says that they could chase lions down the stairs. By saying so, he is revealing the _____ characteristic of their personality.
(iii) Comment on the poet s use of language in these lines in about 40 words.
(iv) Which of the following best describes the theme of the poem ?
(A) Bravery and heroism
(B) Humility leads to bravery
(C) Valour and diligence
(D) Crisis reveals character
8. Answer any four of the following five questions in 40-50 words each :
(i) Nelson Mandela in his inauguration speech says, "We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil."
What is the significance of this statement with reference to the political system that prevailed before this ?
(Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom)
(ii) 'The Ball Poem' initially appears simple but it is actually quite impactful and intense. Comment upon the theme of 'The Ball Poem'.
(iii) Coorg has been defined as a 'piece of heaven' by the writer. Justify. (Glimpses of India)
(iv) "Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a grown-up daughter! Explain what this line conveys about Chubukov as a father. (The Proposal)
(v) In every alternate stanza, Amanda drifts into fantasy and yearns for more freedom and silence. Justify and elaborate the reason. (Amanda)
9. Answer any two of the following three questions in 40-50 words each :
(i) "We are often over-indulgent towards people we care about." Explain with reference to the context of the story "A Triumph of Surgery".
(ii) How did Apprentice Noodle act smartly by suggesting something about the book without offending Think-Tank ?
(The Book That Saved The Earth)
(iii) Despite his unusual appearance, Ausable s presence of mind helped him get rid of Max.
Comment with reference to the story The Midnight Visitor .
10. Answer any one of the following two questions in 100-120 words.
(a) Grief or sadness is an emotion natural to all types of loss or significant change. You have been asked to present an analysis of the approaches of Lencho and Kisa Gotami in dealing with their respective losses. Write this presentation draft including your insights, and comparing the approaches of both.
You may begin like this : One acknowledges that Lencho had unwavering faith in God whereas Kisa Gotami in her grief, believed that her son .................... however ..................... .
(Reference - A Letter to God and The Sermon at Benares)
OR
(b) You have been chosen to address the school assembly on the occasion of Women's Day. You choose to speak on the resilience and indomitable spirit of the young girls : Anne Frank and Valli. Prepare the speech draft, with reference to the commonality and contrast in the situations and circumstances of both the girls.
(Madam Rides the Bus and From the Diary of Anne Frank)
You may begin like this : Good morning everyone. Today, I'd like to express my insights on the resilience of two young girls ................. .
You may end 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 Hari Singh from The Thief s Story by Ruskin Bond, writes a diary entry, exploring the theme of human values and relations that are essential in life and can transform a person in the context of his own experience. Write this diary entry as Hari Singh.
(The Thief s Story)
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 his/her experiences, challenges and interactions with other characters.
In the light of the above information, trace the character arc of Bholi in K.A. Abbas's 'Bholi'.