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Grade XEnglish(Mock Test)

CLASS X ENGLISH

COMMUNICATIVE (CODE 101)

(SAMPLE PAPER 2017-18)

TIME – 3 HOURS MAXIMUM MARKS- 80

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS I. The question paper is divided into three sections : SECTION A : Reading 20 MARKS SECTION B : Writing and Grammar 30 MARKS SECTION C : Literature 30 MARKS II. All questions are compulsory. III. You may attempt any section at a time. IV. All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.

SECTION A - READING (20 marks)

Q1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :

1. I was born in the small but beautiful mountain village of Nakuri near Uttarkashi in Garhwal, with the gurgling, playful Bhagirathi river flowing nearby. My parents were a hard-working and extremely self-contained couple.

2. Even though our family was poor, barely managing the essentials my father taught us how to live and maintain dignity and self-respect – the most treasured family value till today.

3. At the same time my parents also practised the creed, "Kindness is the essence of all religion." The were large-hearted, inviting village folk passing by to have tea at our home, and gave grain to the sadhus and pandits who came to the house. This characteristic has been ingrained in me so deeply that I am able to reach out to others and make a difference in their lives – whether it is in my home, in society or at the workplace.

4. I was the third child in the family – girl, boy, girl, girl and boy in that order – and quite a rebel. I developed a tendency to ask questions and was not satisfied with the customary way of life for a girl-child. When I found my elder brother, Bachchan, encouraging our youngest brother, Raju, to make up mountaineering I thought, why not me? I found that my brothers were always getting preferential treatment and all opportunities and options were open to them. This made me even more determined to not only do what the boys were doing, but to do it better.

5. The general thinking of mountain people was that mountaineering as a sport was not for them. They considered themselves to be born mountaineers as they had to go up and down mountain slopes for their daily livelihood and even for routine work. On the other hand, as a student, I would look curiously at foreign backpackers passing by my village and wonder where they were going. I would even invite them to my house and talk to them to learn more about their travels.

6. The full significance of this came to me later when I started working. The foreigners took the trouble to come all the way to the Himalayas in order to educate themselves on social, cultural and scientific aspects of mountaineering, as well as to seek peace in nature's gigantic scheme of things.

1.1. Attempt any eight of the following questions on the basis of the passage you have read.

(1X8 = 8 Marks)

i. What does the author tell us about the financial condition of her parents?

ii. What is the most treasured value of the author's family?

iii. Give an example to show that the author's parents were very hospitable.

iv. What kind of girl was the author?

v. How do you know that the author's parents discriminated between sons and daughters?

vi. Why do the mountain people consider themselves to be born mountaineers?

vii Why would the author invite foreign mountaineers to her house?

viii. Why were foreigners drawn to the Himalayas?

ix. Education begins at home. Do you agree with the statement?

Solution

i. The author tells us that their family was poor and were barely managing the essentials.

ii. The most treasured value of the author's family are dignity and self-respect.

iii. The author's parents were very hospitable as they would invite the village folks passing by to have tea, and also gave grains to the sadhus and pandits who came to their house.

iv. The author was quite a rebel. She developed a tendency to ask questions and was not satisfied with the customary way of life for a girl-child.

v. The author's parents discriminated between sons and daughters as the brothers would always get preferential treatment and all the opportunities and options were open to them.

vi. The mountain people consider themselves to be born mountaineers as they had to go up and down mountain slopes for their daily livelihood and even for routine work.

vii. The author would invite foreign mountaineers to her house to talk to them and to learn more about their travels.

viii. The foreigners were drawn to the Himalayas as they wanted to educate themselves on social, cultural and scientific aspects of mountaineering, as well as seek peace in nature's gigantic scheme of things.

ix. The author’s family helped the author learn the lessons of hard work, dignity and self-respect. These lessons helped the author to pursue her dream of mountaineering.

Q2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. Politeness has been well defined as benevolence in trifles. It is the desire to put those whom we meet perfectly at their ease, and save them from every kind of petty discomfort and annoyance. The limited part of benevolence called politeness requires only an inclination to make them happy temporarily, while they are in our presence, and when this can be done without any sacrifice on our part or only with a slight sacrifice of personal comfort.

2. Politeness is said to be one of the important characteristics of civilised person. Politeness is the art of choosing among your thoughts. It must be implemented in every walk of life. When we deal with people elder to us we are polite. But, an honest polite person is polite with everyone,

people of lower status, workers and even children. Not only with humans but also with animals we must be polite as they are our helpers.

3. Politeness is a skill. Like any other skill, you can master it with practice. The greatest enemy of politeness is ego. To be a polite person, you have to sacrifice your ego. It is difficult for an egoist to be polite. You have to imply politeness in your thinking, speech and actions. Actions work more than words. Polite actions will give fine results. Politeness will reduce your stress and boost you to be productive. Apart from your present benefits, you protect your future. Being polite makes you mentally healthy. In our daily life we come across many incidents with people nearby and ourselves.

4. Different rules of behaviour have to be observed, accordingly as we are in the street or in the drawing room, at home or at school, in the company of friends or of strangers. There is also to be considered the great diversity of social etiquette which distinguishes one country from another.

2.1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer any four of the following questions in about 30-40 words each : (2X4 = 8 Marks)

i. Why is politeness called as limited part of benevolence?

ii. List some of the persons we should be polite to?

iii. Why is it difficult for an egoist to be polite?

iv. What are the benefits of being polite?

v. Which rules of behaviour are to be observed?

2.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, fill in any two of the following blanks with appropriate words/phrases. (1X2 = 2 Marks)

i. Politeness is an art of choosing_________.

ii. An honest polite person is polite with ___________.

iii. To others, we _____________________.

2.3. Attempt any two of the following.

Find out the words that mean the same as under: (1x2 = 2 Marks)

i. ‘insignificant’ (Paragraph 1)

ii. ‘manners’ (Paragraph 4)

iii. ‘civil’(Paragraph 5)

Solutions

i. It is the desire to put those whom we meet perfectly at their ease, and save them from every kind of petty discomfort and annoyance. The limited part of benevolence called politeness requires only an inclination to make them happy temporarily, while they are in our presence.

ii. People of higher status, people of lower status, workers, children and also animals.

iii. The greatest enemy of politeness is ego. To be a polite person you have to sacrifice your ego. Egoist cannot be polite. You have to imply politeness in your thinking, speech and actions.

iv. Polite actions will give fine results. Politeness will reduce your stress and boost you to be productive. Apart from your present benefits, you protect your future. Being polite makes you mentally healthy.

v. Different rules, when we are in street, at school , in our home, with friends, as per the situation

2.2. i. your own thoughts

ii. everyone

iii. We owe politeness as duty

2.3. i. Petty

ii. Etiquette

iii. Well-bred

SECTION B - WRITING AND GRAMMAR (30 Marks)

Q3. (a.) You are Geet / Geeta, Head Boy / Head Girl of Sanskriti School, Shimla. Your school is going to organise a trip to Leh-Ladakh during the summer vacation. Write a notice in 50‒60 words for the school notice board giving the details of the trip. Imagine all the details. (8 marks)

OR

(b.) You are Sumit, a student of class X. Your father has been transferred to another city resulting in a change of school for you. You have been attending your new school for a week now. Write a diary entry in 50‒60 words on your thoughts and feelings about your old school

and new school. (8 marks)

Solution

Q3. (a.)

SANSKRITI SCHOOL, Shimla NOTICE SCHOOL TRIP 7th March, 2017 A trip to Leh-Ladakh has been organised by the school for classes VIII to X. The trip will extend from 1st June, 2017 to 15th June, 2017. The students will be accompanied by four teachers. The cost of the transport, boarding, lodging and food will amount to Rs 10,000 per student. Interested students can give their names along with the mentioned amount of money to the undersigned by 30th April, 2017. Geeta Head Girl

OR

(b.)

Friday, 7th March 2014 9 p.m. Dear Diary, Shifting to a new city and a new school, in the mid-session, had left me very unhappy. I badly missed my old school, teachers and friends. But today, my new classmates went out of their way to help me when I fell down the stairs in the school. They took me to the first-aid room and even did my written work. It has been just one week, but I have started to feel comfortable already. Sumit

Q4. Write a short story, in about 200-250 words, with any one set of the cues given in the boxes below. (10 marks)

One morning, Sachin goes for a morning walk, on his way, he meets a zombie who was returning to his graveyard. Sachin finds the encounter strange and interesting. He decides to write a story about his experience for the school magazine. Complete the story on his behalf.

OR

It was an unusual instance. Professor Rajan was late for his lecture. He hurried to his room and saw an office boy dusting the table by putting all the articles of his table to one side. The professor mistook him for a thief who had come to steal the office property…..

Solution

One morning as I went for a morning walk, I noticed some bushes shaking. Since it was not a windy morning, it seemed unnatural. Out of curiosity I walked towards the bush and to my utter amazement, saw a zombie! It hurried towards the nearby graveyard and I followed him. He seemed a little uncomfortable but he did not dissuade me from following him. After reaching the graveyard, he asked me to sit with him. He told me fascinating things about their nature and

lifestyle. He also told me how upset he was with the wrong depiction of zombies in the movies. I felt embarrassed at our puny perspective about such sweet and friendly beings. Although I wanted to know more about them, he suddenly stood up and left in a jiffy. Suddenly, I was all alone in the graveyard. Till this day I have been trying to assess the feasibility of the encounter.

OR

It was an unusual instance. Professor Rajan was late for his lecture. He hurried to his room and saw an office boy dusting the table by putting all the articles of his table to one side. The professor mistook him for a thief who had come to steal the office property. He entered the room silently and caught hold of the office boy. The office boy tried his best to reveal his identity. But, the professor was not ready to reason out. He did not let him loose for he thought the boy might run away. At last, the office boy had to yell for help. Many people gathered to help the poor man and assured the professor of his identity. Discovering the truth, he professor felt embarrassed and apologized for misunderstanding him.

Q5. Fill in four of the following blanks choosing the most appropriate option from the ones given below. Write the answers in your answer-sheet against the correct blank numbers. (4 marks)

There are four trees in the garden. (a) ________ branches sway in the breeze. The children play (b) _________ the trees. Some of the girls (c) ______________ sleeping (d) ________ the shade of the trees.

(a) (i) There (ii) Their (iii) Every (iv) An

(b) (i) under (ii) over (iii) above (iv) in

(c) (i) is (ii) was (iii) are (iv) have

(d) (i) in (ii) by (iii) below (iv) under

Solution

(a) - (ii) their

(b) - (i) under

(c) - (iii) are

(d)- (i) in

Q6. In the following passage one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word, in any four sentences of the given paragraph, along with the word that comes before and the word that comes after it in the space provided . (4 marks)

I have no idea of the extent of this zoo. I know only my corner and whatever passes _______ me. On the day I was wheeled _____ , I only noticed two gates opening to admit me. When I stood up I caught a glimpse ____ some cages ahead _______ also heard the voice of a lion.

Solution

Before Missing Word After

passes before me

wheeled in I

glimpse of some

ahead and also

Q7. Rearrange any four of the following word clusters to make meaningful sentences .

(1x 4 = 4 Marks )

(a) is / Devprayag / town / beautiful / a

(b) it / sparsely populated / a / is / in Uttarakhand / town /

(c) (c) an average / has / literacy rate / it / 77% / of /

(d) (d) Devprayag / pandas / Badrinath Dham / the / is / seat of /

Solution

(a) Devprayag is a beautiful town.

(b) It is a sparsely populated town in Uttarakhand.

(c) It has an average literacy rate of 77%.

(d) Devprayag is the seat of Badrinath dham pandas.

SECTION C - LITERATURE (30 Marks)

How foolish do your dreams seem now, Calpurnia!

1. What does Calpurnia's dream signify?

2. What excuse did Caesar first make when Decius Brutus visited him?

3. Did he tell him the truth?

4. Do you think dreams can influence somebody's decisions? Taking cues from the text, give a reasoned answer.

OR

We do many things, sir.

1. Who is the speaker?

2. Whom is the speaker addressing?

3. What are the 'many things' being referred to here?

4. Describe the physical appearance of the speaker.

Solution

1. Calpurnia's dream signified the assassination of her husband Julius Caesar.

2. As per Calpurnia's advice, Caesar first told Decius Brutus that he was not feeling well.

3. Yes, Caesar did tell Brutus the truth about Calpurnia's fear that arose because of her ominous dream.

4. Dreams can indeed influence a person's decision. This largely depends on how seriously the dreams are taken and how they are interpreted. In the play, Calpurnia dreamt that Caesar's statue had hundred spouts and blood was flowing out of it. Lusty Romans were bathing their hands in it. She interpreted it as a warning of some unfortunate event that was likely to occur in the future. While her interpretation initially persuaded Caesar to stay at home, Decius Brutus's interpretation reversed Caesar's decision. He admitted that he was being coward by staying at home as Brutus lent a whole new meaning to Calpurnia's dream. Brutus said that Caesar's blood symbolised his influence on Rome. He opined that Caesar's bravery would be hailed in the future and added that

the dream had been wrongly interpreted. This again influenced Caesar, who then decided to go out and seize the day

OR

1. This line is being spoken by Nicola.

2. Nicola is addressing the narrator of the story.

3. 'Many things' refer to selling fruits and newspapers, conducting tourists round the town and shining shoes to earn money.

4. Nicola had brown skin, tangled hair and dark earnest eyes. He wore loose and worn-out clothes on his skinny frame. His overall appearance was shabby and untidy. Nicola’s face displayed seriousness way beyond his years. Yet, he greeted their customers with friendly countenance.

Q9. Answer any four of the following Questions in 30-40 words each. (2x4 = 8 Marks)

i. What did Antony say to the people about Caesar to make them sympathetic as well as revengeful?

ii. What is the theme of the poem 'Not marble, nor the gilded monuments' ?

iii. Describe the first appearance of the ghost in John's room.

iv. What, according to the frog, was missing in the nightingale’s singing? What advice did he offer?

v. The boys avoided sharing their 'plans' with the narrator. What impression do you get of the two boys from this?

Solution

i. Antony reminded the people of Caesar's achievements as well as his tragic end. He revealed Caesar's will and left no stone unturned to highlight that treason had triumphed over goodness and bravery. Through his moving words, Antony provoked pity, anger as well as tears in the crowd.

ii. The poem 'Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments' written by William Shakespeare is a sonnet.

It expresses the powerful effects of time. According to the poet, the written structures are far more powerful and sustainable than the masonry structures. The poet calls his poetry the living record of one's life that will be remembered and praised even after the death of one's life. It will keep one alive in the minds of future generations, whereas marbled and gilded monuments do not serve this purpose in the long run. These monuments or statues perish with the passage of time. The poet agrees with the power of time, but also expresses his opinion about the power of poetry that it can immortalise a person. He is of the view that poetry leaves an everlasting impact on the minds of the readers.

iii. During her first appearance, the ghost agreed with John's statement that the writing business was delightful. She said, "I should say it is" from the end of the room and then took shape in the shadows of the furniture in John's room. First her arm came out, then a bit of sleeve of her blouse, followed by her leg and a plaid skirt, until she was finally complete. She came over and stood in front of John, making him feel helpless as he stared at her, prompting him to ask, "What are you gaping at?"

iv. According to the frog, the nightingale's song lacked a certain force. He advised that she must practise longer till her voice became strong like his. He asked her to use more trills and sound sharper to make the public happier.

v. The boys avoided sharing their 'plans' with the narrator because they were boys with etiquettes alike a gentleman. They did not want anyone to sympathise with them. Instead they did odd jobs and worked hard purposefully in order to pay for their sister's treatment. They had a lot of self-esteem, which compelled them to stay silent about their problems to strangers. They did not complain. They managed their lives well and were strong and courageous. Even in adverse situations, they did not lose hope and gathered the right spirit to look for all kinds of jobs in the city of Verona where jobs were scarce. They followed a certain code of conduct and decency even when they accepted a help or declined a proposal.

Q10. Attempt any one out of the two following long answer type questions in 100-120 words.

(8 Mark)

(a.) Describe the character of Mrs. Packletide.

OR

(b.) How did Ali and the postmaster share a common plight?

Solution

10. (a.) Mrs. Packletide is an egoistic and vain lady who is driven by the unimportant things in life. She belongs to the middle class section of the society who bears a great amount of dislike for a lady in the neighbourhood by the name of Loona Bimberton. Mrs. Packletide is of a boastful nature who believes in gaining name and fame by hook or crook. She always has a need or an urge to outshine people who have achieved great feats. However, she proves herself to be a coward when she pays Mebbin for her weekend cottage, only to keep her from revealing the truth about the death of the tiger.

OR

(b.) In the story, both Ali and the postmaster shared a common plight of pain and separation. For Ali, this plight lasted for five years, while the postmaster felt the pain only for a day. Ali faced an emotional crisis ever since the time his daughter left him. She did not write to him even once in five years' time. Ali led a cheerless existence waiting patiently for news from Miriam. The postmaster felt a similar pang of pain and separation when he did not receive any news from his ill daughter, who lived in another town, for an entire day. In fact, this emotion and anguish reformed the postmaster's heart and he felt guilty to have failed to understand Ali's anxiety.

Q11. (A.) Answer the following question based on prescribed novel text for extended reading in about 200- 250 words. (10 marks)

A. (i.) What are Anne’s views about the Laws that restrict the Jews’ freedom?

OR

A. (ii.) Write the pen portrait of Mr. Van Dann.

A. (i.) Under the rule of the SS party, there were many restrictions that were imposed on the Jews. The Jews were not allowed to own any businesses, travel in any means of transport, the children had to go to separate Jew schools, only Jew barbershops and parlours could be visited by the Jews etc. Anne mentions how they were not allowed to be outside of their homes after 8 P.M, and had to wear yellow stars with the word Jew emblazoned on their clothes. Even though the Jews were subjected to such irrational rules and regulations, Anne notes that they braved the

trials and tribulations with strength and courage, tried to find other means of entertainment, and live life normally.

OR

A. (ii.) Mr van Daan was Otto Frank's business partner and good friend, the plan of hiding in the secret annex in order to escape imprisonment by the Nazis included the van Daan family which comprised him,his wife and his son Peter. Anne tells us initially that she and Mr van Daan were always at loggerheads with each other but occasionally he would behave nicely towards her. He used to quarrel a lot with his wife, they would have terrible fight and sometimes it would also involve their son Peter whom Mr van Daan could never really understand as they were two very different people. Mr van Daan believed in being pushy in order to get ahead in life, he was a smoker and could be grouchy if he did not get his daily fix. In spite of all that, Mr van Daan was eminently more likeable than his wife and he was a comforting presence in the household. He would not refrain from getting to work or fixing things, a man of actions rather than words but quite different from Otto Frank who seemed to be much more refined than he was. Mr van Daan was highly opinionated, thrusting his political opinions on one and all,he could also be a little uncouth but generally more tolerable than his wife.

OR

Q11. (B.) Answer the following question based on prescribed novel text for extended reading in about 200- 250 words. (10 marks)

The Story of My Life

B. (i.) In the life of Helen Keller, Ms. Anne Sullivan acts as an inspiration behind her extraordinary life. Justify with suitable instances from the text.

OR

B. (ii.) Give a pen portrait of Dr. Alexander Graham Bell.

B. (i.) Miss Sullivan is the teacher and constant companion of Helen. She successfully awakens Helens soul to light and freedom, and sets her spirit free. She is thy spiritual liberator, Whittier has said to Helen about Miss Sullivan.

On third of March, 1887, Miss Sullivan arrived at the house of the Kellers. From that day on, Helen's life took a completely different turn: from darkness to light, from isolation to friendship. Miss Sullivan was an extremely patient and considerate teacher who never failed to understand

Helens frustration and discontentment. She methodically taught Helen how to communicate using her fingers and then assisted her in her education through all the institutions that Helen attended.

Miss Sullivan's method of teaching was very effective. She illustrated everything she taught using a poem or a story. Besides, she used to take Helen out-of-doors and teach her in the lap of nature. This way, not only did she help Helen learn lessons, but also developed the bond between Helen and the world she was deprived of. Helen dedicates her success in articulating speech sounds to Miss Sullivans genius, untiring perseverance and devotion.

OR

B. (ii.) Dr Alexander Graham Bell of Washington was able to generate a feeling of tenderness and sympathy in Helen which endeared him to her. He had held her on his knee while she examined his watch and made it strike for her. He understood her signs and made her love him even more. The initial interview led to a friendship and companionship that brought her out into light from darkness and filled her with love and knowledge. She visited the World's Fair with Dr Bell and witnessed how her childish fancies became beautiful realities.

Dr. Bell was proficient in many fields of science and knew the art of making every subject he touched seem interesting, even the most abstruse of theories. He made one feel that if they only had a little more time, they could be inventors too. He also had a humourous and poetic side. His dominating passion being his love for children, he was never quite so happy as when he had a little deaf child in his arms. His labours on behalf of the deaf would continue to live and bless generations of children yet to come. Helen observes that their love for him comes not only from his achievements but also from what had evoked from others. He made her realize that knowledge was love, light and vision.