Class X Session 2025-26

Subject - English Language and Literature

Sample Question Paper - 05

Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow 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

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: [10]
"The great model of affection of love in human beings is the sentiment which subsists between parents and
children." As time goes by, things change. What was popular, and normal, in the 70's has changed. The older
generation always wonders what has gone wrong with the younger generation and the younger generation also
wonders why parents can`t understand their needs. They don`t know how to deal with the differences between
each other and that has led to a gap between parents and children. The interests, food, habits, slang,
entertainment, and way of thinking of the younger generation differ from those of the older generation. These
changes are indicative of progress. The difference in the ways of thinking and perception of the people of two
different generations, which results in behavioural differences and sometimes, conflict among them is usually
called the generation gap. The generation gap between parents and their children is generally seen in the family.
It is not only because of the age gap but also because of the way parents react to a particular situation. Children
being very young and immature do not understand the way of thinking of their parents. In many cases, the
parents, even if they are mature, do not empathize with the changing values and thinking patterns of the modern
world. This creates a communication gap between these two generations.
Parents themselves mostly cause a generation gap between parents and children. They do not talk openly to
their children and take part in solving their problems. This behaviour gives the impression of parents being
authoritative persons because they only dictate without understanding the problems faced by their children. As
a result, the children become mentally isolated from their parents. Some parents become so busy with their
work that they don't spend quality time with their family, which makes them completely unaware of how their
children are growing, what kind of mentality is being developed in them, and so on. This ultimately creates a
gap between them. They only realize it when it is too late.
Changes in technology have led to the generation gap in this modern world. Children tend to spend most of
their time with their digital devices and are so busy with social media, that they do not discuss their problems

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 with their parents. The internet provides solutions to most of the worldly problems. So children, instead of
contacting their own parents, use the help of the internet in case of any problem, thus again reducing
communication, leading to a generation gap between them.
The generation gap has greatly increased these days because the time is changing fast and people find it
difficult to cope with this change. To overcome this problem, parents should show interest in all matters of their
children and deal with them positively instead of just scolding them and leaving them alone to deal with their
problems. Giving time to the children, having open communication, and allowing the child to feel free and not
under any kind of pressure, will eventually reduce the generation gap to a tolerable extent.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘The interests, food, habits, slang, entertainment, and way of thinking
of the younger generation differ from those of the older generation’ emphasise? (1)
ii. Complete the following with the correct option from the two given. (1)
The generation gap is primarily caused because ________.
(a) the younger generation is immature and doesn’t understand the older generation’s thinking.
(b) the differences in values and perceptions of the two generations create conflicts. (paragraph 1)
iii. Support the writer’s idea that the generation gap is worsened by the lack of communication between parents
and children. (paragraph 2) (2)
iv. Select the option that best reflects the concept of ‘technology’s role in increasing the generation gap’.
(paragraph 3) (1)
v. State whether the following statement is True or False. (paragraph 2)
“Parents often unintentionally create a generation gap by neglecting to spend quality time with their
children.” (1)
vi. The writer mentions ‘coping with fast-changing times’ in paragraph 4.
Which of the following strategies can help bridge the generation gap? (1)
(a) Scolding children to ensure they conform to traditional values.
(b) Encouraging children to abandon modern technology completely.
(c) Engaging in open and positive communication with children.
(d) Avoiding involvement in the personal matters of children.
vii. List any two causes of the generation gap as mentioned in the passage. (paragraphs 2 & 3) (2)
viii. Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given. (paragraph 4)
In the phrase ‘dealing with them positively’, the word ‘positively’ refers to ________. (1)
(a) Approaching children’s problems with understanding and empathy.
(b) Enforcing strict rules to guide children’s behaviour.
(c) Ignoring modern influences on children.
(d) Giving children the freedom to make their own decisions without parental involvement.
2. Read the extract given below: [10]
1. The National Education Policy 2020 proposes the revision and revamping of all aspects of education,
including the educational structure, regulations and governance, to create a new system which is aligned
with the aspirational goals of 21st century students. According to the policy, by 2025, at least 50 % of
learners through the school and higher education system shall have exposure to skill education, for which a
clear action plan with targets and timelines are to be developed.

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2. The policy aims to overcome the social status hierarchy associated with skill education and integration of
skill education into mainstream education in all educational institutions in a phased manner. Beginning with
skill exposure at early ages in middle and secondary school, quality skill education will be integrated
smoothly into school and higher education.
3. Every child will learn at least one skill and is exposed to several more. This would lead to emphasizing the
dignity of labour and importance of various vocations involving Indian arts and artisanship.
4. The development of skill capacities will go hand-in-hand with the development of 'academic' or other
capacities. To achieve this objective, secondary schools will have to collaborate with Industrial Training
Institutes (ITIs), Polytechnics, Local Industry, etc. Skill labs will also be set up and created in the schools in
a Hub and Spoke model, which will allow other schools to use the facility. Higher education institutions
will offer skill education either on their own or in partnership with industry and other institutions.

For visually challenged students only:

Percentage of students in Skill Education in various countries is as follows:
India - 5%
Egypt - 30%
Denmark - 50%
USA - 52%
Germany - 75%
South Korea - 96%
Based on your understanding of the extract, answer the questions given below: (10)
i. Based on the reading of the extract, list 2 objectives of NEP 2020. (2)
ii. Fill in the blank with appropriate option from those given in the brackets, based on the understanding of
paragraph 4.
The statement:
"The development of skill capacities will go hand-in-hand with the development of academic or other
capacities" is a / an ________ (fact / opinion) because it is a / an ________ (subjective judgement /
objective detail) (1)
iii. Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the statement given below:
"According to the policy, by 2025, at least 50% of learners through the school and higher education system
shall have exposure to skill education." (1)
A. Maximum 50% learners shall have exposure to technical education.
B. Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to technical education.
C. Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to skill education.
D. Maximum 50 % learners shall have exposure to skill education.

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 iv. Based on the understanding of the passage, complete the following statement appropriately: (1)
The benefit of the hub and spoke model will be ________
v. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word / phrase from paragraph 3.: (1)
Racism: condemn:: ________: respect
vi. As per the Global Scenario which country has the maximum percentage of students in Skill Education and
what can be the possible reason (2)
vii. Assertion (A): The National Education Policy 2020 aims to integrate skill education into mainstream
education to eliminate the social status hierarchy associated with vocational training.
Reason (R): Skill education will be introduced in schools through collaboration with ITIs, Polytechnics,
and Local Industry, along with the establishment of skill labs under a Hub and Spoke model.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
viii. Justify the statement - 'The NEP will create an awareness and appreciation of Indian arts and artisanship.'
(1)
SECTION B GRAMMAR
3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed [10]
(a) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter: [1]
I ________ (entreat) you address this at your earliest convenience and issue the recommendation
letters.
(b) Read the given sentence from a medical journal. Identify the error and supply the correction in the [1]
sentence:
A flu vaccine's most common side effects are soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site.
These ought begin six to twelve hours after vaccination and can last upto two days.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

(c) Report the dialogue between the gatekeeper and the visitor by completing the sentence: [1]
Gatekeeper: Whom do you want to meet?
Visitor: I want to see the art and craft exhibition.
In response to the question about whom the visitor wanted to meet, the visitor replied ________.
(d) My father said to us, "You should study and get a good division in the examination." [1]
Reported speech: ________

a) My father told us that we should study b) My father tells us that we should study
and get a good division in the and get a good division in the
examination. examination.

c) My father told us that we shall study d) My father said us that we should study
and get a good division in the and got a good division in the
examination. examination.
(e) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option. [1]
___________ (Much / Many / Few) time is required to learn a new language.

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(f) Identify the error and supply the correction for the given sentence from a comment posted by an [1]
admirer of a reporter.
The report was well document, so no one could claim that it was just one person's opinion.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

(g) Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence taken from a case study: [1]
"We specializes in arranging bespoke tours to exotic locations around the world."

Error Correction

(h) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option: [1]
As I stood in the balcony and watched the passers by throw paper out of their car, I was ________ by
their behaviour.

a) put off b) put in

c) put up d) put away

(i) Read the conversation between a hostess and a customer. Complete the sentence by filling in the [1]
blank based on the conversation:
Hostess: Wonderful to see you again, sir!
Customer: Thanks, I couldn't resist your delicious food.
The customer responded that ________.
(j) Read the dialogue between Manish and his father, regarding Manish's cricket coaching. [1]
Father: Did you get a new coach in the academy to train you?
Manish: Yes, the new coach is very motivating and pushes us to perform better.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
Manish's father asked him ________.
Manish answered in the affirmative and added that the new coach was very motivating and pushed
them to perform better.

a) whether he gets a new coach in the b) whether he got a new coach to train
academy to train him. him.

c) if he got a new coach in the academy to d) if he is getting a new coach in the

train him. academy to train him.
(k) Complete the line from a self-awareness song, by filling the blank with the correct option. [1]
"Where the mind ________ forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom my Father, let my country awake."
A. was led
B. has been led
C. is led
D. had led
(l) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following: [1]

Surat

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 HI LIFE EXHIBITION
You’re last chance to make a fashion statement
LAST DAY TODAY

Use the given format for your response.

error correction

SECTION B CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

4. During the monsoons, mosquitoes find safe places like stagnant water and piles of garbage for breeding. As a [5]
result, many cases of dengue fever in your city have been noticed. More than a thousand victims have been
hospitalized in different parts of the city. You are Varun/Varsha, a responsible citizen. Write a letter to the editor
of a local daily, emphasizing the need to create awareness of the problem of dengue, its causes, prevention and
treatment.
OR
Here is an extract from an article on the Importance of Personality Development.

Personality development is important because it helps you to live your life in a better way. It builds
confidence in you, helps you to look at your life in a positive way, creates positive energy within you,
improves your health, improves your skills, decreases your stress, and makes you a more pleasing
personality.

You are Kailash / Kusum of 148, Model Town, Delhi, you wish to do a short term-course on personality
development. Write a letter to the Director, Personal care, Hyderabad enquiring about the course details.
5. The following pie chart shows the major causes of air pollution in metropolitan cities in India. Study the data [5]
and write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words.

OR
The pie chart shows the proportion of people from different households living in poverty in the UK in 2002. Write an
analytical paragraph to describe the information in 100-120 words.

SECTION C - LITERATURE

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6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [5]
(a) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: [5]
Ausable moved to an armchair and sat down heavily. "I'm going to raise the devil with the
management this time, and you can bet on it," he said grimly. This is the second time in a month that
somebody has got into my room through that nuisance of a balcony!
i. Who is Ausable? (1)
ii. Ausable’s annoyance at the balcony when he says, “…nuisance of a balcony…” could be called
fake. Why is it so? (2)
iii. Which word replaces ‘sat down heavily’ in the sentence - 'Ausable moved to an armchair and sat
down heavily’? (1)
a. dumped
b. flumped
c. pumped
d. jumped
iv. Delnaaz is a new tenant in her locality and Mrs. Mehta is the landlady. Choose the option that lists
an action that would require Mrs. Mehta to ‘raise the devil’ with Delnaaz. (1)
a. She uses the elevator five times a day.
b. She feeds the stray dogs in the street.
c. She works late at night and stays home in the afternoon only.
d. She plays music louder than is necessary late into the night.
(b) Read the passages given below and answer the questions that follow: [5]
So, in order to not to shake the writer's faith in God, the postmaster came up with an idea: answer the
letter. But when he opened it, it was evident that to answer it he needed something more than
goodwill, ink and paper. But he stuck to his resolution: He asked money from his employees.
i. Who made the decision to respond to the letter? (1)
ii. Which of the following best describes the postmaster's attitude towards helping the writer of the
letter? (1)
A. Indifferent
B. Arrogant
C. Thoughtful
D. Helpful
iii. "He needed something more than goodwill, ink and paper." Comment on the given line. (2)
iv. Replace the word 'evident' with an appropriate word/phrase in the given statement: "But when he
opened it, it was evident that to answer it he needed something more than goodwill, ink and
paper." (1)
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [5]
(a) Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow: [5]
The trees inside are moving out into the forest,
the forest that was empty all these days
Where no bird could sit

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 no insect hide
no sun bury its feet in shadow.
i. Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)
It is clear that Personification is the poetic device used for 'No sun bury its feet....' because (Clue:
explain how personification applies here)
ii. State whether the following statement is True or False: (1)
The extract uses trees as a symbol for conservative people.
iii. 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 ________. (1)
A. unnatural
B. scary
C. magical
D. legendary
iv. Which three things cannot happen in a treeless forest? (2)
(b) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: [5]
Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!
But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,
Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mousehold.
i. Pick an option that best fits the usage of the word’ trickled’ as used in the extract. (1)
a. The water trickled down the tap and filled the trough.
b. Students trickled into the classroom as the teacher entered.
c. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she heard the sad news.
d. His enthusiasm for the task slowly trickled away.
ii. Where did Blink hide himself? (1)
iii. Fill in the blank with one word which means the same as 'ran away' ________. (1)
iv. Comment on the humour used in these lines. (2)
8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words [12]
(a) Where is Coorg situated? What is it called? Who lives there? [3]
(b) What do you understand by the tiger's strength behind bars? What kind of a cage is the tiger locked [3]
in?
(c) What about Lomov’s appearance made Chubukov curious? [3]
(d) Grandma had a significant place in Anne's heart. Explain. [3]
(e) Write the sum and substance of the poem Fire and Ice. [3]
9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. [6]
(a) Do you think that Mrs. Pumphrey was really responsible for Tricki’s illness? [3]
(b) Why do Bholi’s parents accept Bishamber’s marriage proposal? [3]
(c) What happened when Mr. and Mrs. Hall entered the stranger's room? [3]
10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words [6]
(a) A noted author, Richard Bach wrote - For most gulls it was not flying that mattered, but eating. For [6]
this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight. Evaluate this statement with respect to the
young seagull.

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 (b) Both trees and Nelson Mandela are symbols of freedom, but in different ways. Trees represent the [6]
natural freedom that we all yearn for, while Nelson Mandela represents the hard-won freedom that is
possible when we stand up for what we believe in.
Assume they both meet each other and have a conversation about freedom.
Write this conversation as per your understanding of Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom and
poem The Trees.
You may begin like this
Nelson Mandela: Greetings, trees. It is an honour to speak with you today.
Trees: It is an honour to speak with you as well, Nelson Mandela.
Nelson Mandela: I am interested in hearing your thoughts on freedom.
11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. [6]
(a) Matilda goes home after meeting Madam Forestier after ten years and shares the fact with M Loisel [6]
that the necklace was a false one. Write the dialogue between Matilda and M Loisel.
Matilda: I don't know how to tell you this but I met Madam Forestier today and she told me that her
necklace was
M Loisel: What! I can't believe my ears. That huge debt was for nothing!
Matilda: ...
M Loisel: ...
(b) Trust and compassion can reform a person. Justify this statement in the light of the lesson The Thief's [6]
Story.

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 Solution

Section A - Reading Skills

1. I. The phrase ‘The interests, food, habits, slang, entertainment, and way of thinking of the younger generation differ from those
of the older generation’ emphasises the significant cultural and behavioural differences between the two generations,
indicating that change is a natural part of progress.
II. (b) The differences in values and perceptions of the two generations create conflicts.
III. The writer supports this idea by explaining:
1. Parents often fail to communicate openly with their children, which makes the children feel mentally isolated.
2. When parents are too busy or authoritarian, it reduces the opportunity for meaningful conversations, deepening the
generation gap.
IV. The concept of ‘technology’s role in increasing the generation gap’ is reflected by the idea that children spend most of their
time on digital devices and social media, which prevents them from discussing their issues with parents and relying more on
the internet for solutions.
V. True. The passage explains that when parents don’t spend enough quality time with their children, they become unaware of
how their children are growing or developing, which creates a generation gap.
VI. (c) Engaging in open and positive communication with children.
VII. Two causes of the generation gap mentioned in the passage:
1. The age and cultural differences between parents and children, which lead to differing values and perceptions.
2. The impact of technology, as children spend more time with digital devices and social media, reducing face-to-face
communication with parents.
VIII. (a) Approaching children’s problems with understanding and empathy.
2. i. a. Increase access to skill education
b. Integrate skill education into mainstream education
ii. a fact, an objective detail
iii. Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to skill education.
iv. allowing other schools to access the facility of skill models.
v. Racism : condemn :: Skill education : respect
vi. South Korea - 96%
Reason: The possible reason for this could be the emphasis and importance laid on vocational and skill-based education in the
country's education system.
vii. A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
viii. The NEP aims to ensure that every child learns at least one skill and is exposed to several more, including Indian arts and
artisanship. By integrating skill education into mainstream education and emphasizing the dignity of labor, the NEP will
promote awareness and appreciation of Indian arts and artisanship among students, thus preserving and promoting traditional
Indian crafts and skills.
SECTION B GRAMMAR
3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed
(i) entreat
(ii) Error Correction

Ought begin Ought to begin

(iii)that he wanted to see the art and craft exhibition.
(iv) (a) My father told us that we should study and get a good division in the examination.
Explanation:
My father told us that we should study and get a good division in the examination.
(v) Much
(vi) Error Correction

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 document documented
(vii) Error Correction

specializes specialize

(viii) (a) put off

Explanation:
put off
(ix)that he couldn’t resist the delicious food.
(x) (c) if he got a new coach in the academy to train him.
Explanation:
if he got a new coach in the academy to train him.
(xi) C. is led
As per the stanza, the situation occurs in present tense.
(xii) error correction

You're Your
SECTION B CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
4. 193-B,
Sector-15,
Chandigarh
14th Nov 2018
The Editor
Times of India
Chandigarh
Sir,
Subject: Dengue-Prevention is better than cure!
In the past month, an alarming increase in the incidence of dengue cases in the city has been noticed which is a cause for extreme
concern and demands the immediate attention of the Health Care department, Municipal Corporation as well as of the general
public.
Dengue is a viral infection is caused by a virus which cannot be treated with antibiotics. It is treated with under Doctor's
supervision. precautions to prevent this terrible disease:
i. Dengue spreads through mosquito bites. To stop the transmission from one patient to another individual, it is necessary to use
mosquito nets at night
ii. Mosquito eradication is necessary for indoors as well as in neighbourhood; thus spraying of mosquito repellant is necessary.
iii. Limbs should be coated with mosquito repellant sprays and lotions.
High fever is a discernible symptom and may lead to complications due to lowering of the platelet count. Any bleeding during the
infection would be difficult to control. Severe cases may require blood transfusions.
Since, the carrier mosquito breeds in stagnant waters, close to human habitations, cleanliness of the environment is immensely
important and a key precaution for prevention. Vaccination is not an option and any previous infection does not guarantee
immunity as there are numerous viruses that cause it.
Awareness is immensely important to initiate preventive measures. I hope my letter will be published for the common good of the
people.
Thanking you,
Yours truly,
Varsha.
OR
148, Model Town
Delhi
28th August 20XX
The Director
Personal Care
Hyderabad

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 Sir,
Subject: Enquiry about short term course
Through your advertisement, I have come to know that you provide a short term course on personality development. I would like
to join it as I am awaiting my class 12th result and I am free for about three months. Kindly furnish me with the following details:
a. Charges for personality development Course.
b. Timing and duration of the course.
c. Demo classes.
d. Early morning or late evening batches.
e. Online assistance provided by the institute.
f. Whether the institute provides registration facility.
g. The earliest available date for the examination.
Kindly inform me at the earliest so that I can join the course immediately, without wasting time.
Yours sincerely,
Kusum.
5. The given pie chart shows the major causes of air pollution in metropolitan cities in India. It is observed that the major contributor
is the pollution caused by vehicles which is 50% of all the causes. It stands justified with the fact that day in and day out the
number of vehicles are being added to our street. Industries and waste burning contribute equally with 20% each. Most of the
industrial area is located near the city outskirts which is why industries play a significant role in urban pollution. While 10% of the
air pollution is caused by construction work which is a major urban outdoor air pollution. Air pollution has direct effects on
human health causing such problems as breathing difficulties for healthy people, eye, nose, throat and lung irritation as well as
asthma, chronic bronchitis, heart disease and even death. Problems like acid rain and smog are the result of air pollution.
OR
The given pie chart illustrates seven different categories of households living in poverty in the UK in 2002. It is clearly evident
from the pie chart that 26% of the total poverty-stricken households are those of sole parents. Single people without children
account for the second-highest proportion with 24%. In contrast to couples without children that accounts for just 9%, couples
with children account for 15% of the poor households. Single aged persons and aged couples proportion for 12% together for poor
households. Overall, 14% of all households in the UK were living in poverty. The younger generation had a greater poor
percentage than their aged counterparts. Couples without children had better economic conditions than those with children.
SECTION C - LITERATURE
6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.
(i) i. a secret agent
ii. It is so because he later admitted that there was no balcony at all.
iii. Option (b) is correct - flumped
iv. (d) She plays music louder than is necessary late into the night. (to raise the devil means to cause a commotion or to
make a noisy disturbance)
(ii) i. The postmaster decided to answer the letter.
ii. (C) Thoughtful [The postmaster asked for money from his employees, friends and he himself gave part of his salary
to help the writer of the letter.]
iii. With good intentions, the postmaster read the letter and thought of replying to it so as to keep the writer’s trust in
God intact. But the writer expected the reply in a different way that could not be fulfilled with pen, paper, and morals
as he had demanded for 100 pesos.
iv. clear/noticeable
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.
(i) i. .....the sun, which is non-human, is attributed the human feature of having feet.
ii. False - (Trees are symbolic of woman. Adrienne Rich is a feminist poet.)
iii. Option - A (Trees are an integral part of nature/forest. So, it is unnatural to depict treeless forest.)
iv. A forest is a natural habitat for numerous birds and insects. When forests are cleared, no bird can make its nest, nor
can insects hide in the bark of the trees and there's nothing to shade the area from sunlight.
(ii) i. (b) Students trickled into the classroom as the teacher entered.
ii. Blink hid in his little mouse hole in order to save himself.
iii. Fled

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 iv. When Belinda looked at the pirate she turned pale with fear and cried loudly for help. All her brave pets fled from
the place. Mustard cried and ran away. Ink silently went to the bottom of the house and Blink very smartly
disappeared in a mouse hole, leaving Belinda all alone.
8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words
(i) Coorg or Kodagu is situated midway between Mysore and the coastal town Mangalore. It is the smallest district of
Karnataka. It is called 'a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of God'. This land of rolling hills is
inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures.
(ii) The tiger is not left free in the jungle but is locked in a cage made of cement and concrete in a zoo. His unbound strength
is caged in behind the bars. He is locked in a small cage where he is devoid of freedom. He feels unhappy, frustrated,
restless and angry.
(iii) Why he was in his evening dress
He was dressed up
(iv)Anne loved her grandma very much. Her grandma died in January 1942. Since Anne and her sister, Margot was sent to
Aachen to stay with their grandmother, Anne was attached to her. Anne still loved her and missed her. On her grandma's
birthday in 1942 Anne lit a candle in her memory.
(v) The crystal clear message that the poet is trying to give is that nothing in this world is eternal. Everything will perish
either in fire or in ice. The consequences of desire and hatred are tangible in the poem. We should, thus, not forget this
supreme reality and keep ourselves above all selfish matters to prevent our globe and humanity from perishing.
9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words.
(i) Undoubtedly, [Link] was responsible for Tricki’s illness. She loved her pet so much that she overfed him with
ice cream, chocolates, malt, cod-liver oil and Horlicks etc. She did not give him any physical exercise. As a result, Tricki
fell ill.
(ii) Bholi's parents, in their ignorance and backward thinking, felt that daughters were a liability or a burden to dispose of
marriage. Bholi's disadvantageous look and stammering had little chance of that. If they don't accept it then she would
not be married for the rest of her life. As well, Bishamber has a big shop and his own house. He also does not ask for
dowry.
(iii)One day Mr. and Mrs. Hall were very surprised to see the stranger’s room wide open as it was usually closed. They
entered the room to investigate. Suddenly the hat from the bedpost leapt up and dashed into Mrs. Hall's face. Then the
chair became alive. Springing into the air, it charged straight at her, legs foremost. Finally, it pushed both Mr. Hall and
Mrs. Hall out of the room and slammed the door from inside.
10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words
(i) Food is the most essential ingredient that sustains all life on earth. But the young seagull, it was not eating that mattered,
but flight. Whenever he tried to flap his wings to fly, he was seized with fear. He felt certainly that his wings would
never support him. He had seen his elder brother catch his first Herring and devour it. It compounded his helplessness
even more. He uttered a joyful scream when he saw his mother holding a piece of fish in her beak and flying quite near
him. Hunger became motivation for the young seagull. Maddened by hunger, he fell outwards and downward into space.
Then a monstrous terror seagull him but only for a minute. The next moment, he felt his wings spread outwards. The
fear left him. Soon, he was floating on the green sea.
(ii) Nelson Mandela: Greetings, trees. It is an honour to speak with you today.
Trees: It is an honour to speak with you as well, Nelson Mandela.
Nelson Mandela: I am interested in hearing your thoughts on freedom.
Trees: For us, freedom means being able to grow and reach for the sky without being hindered by humans.
Nelson Mandela: That is a beautiful way of looking at freedom. I think humans could learn a lot from you trees about
what freedom really means.
Trees: But what does freedom mean to you, Mr. Mandela?
Nelson Mandela: With age and experience I understood the real meaning of freedom. As I grew older, freedom to raise
a family and freedom to earn livelihood started dominating my thoughts. Tell me about your struggles for freedom,
would you please?
Trees: Every confined part of us rose in revolt and struggle. Our roots struggle all night to break free from the cracks in
the veranda floor. Our leaves struggle to come out of the glass. Small twigs have become hard due to overwork. Long
cramped boughs to broke open the roof and come out. How you fought against the apartheid system?
Nelson Mandela: I joined African National Congress and the desire for my own freedom got converted into the larger

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 desire for freedom of every one of my communities.
Tress: Bravo! Freedom is the most important thing. No matter what happens, we must always fight for our freedom.
11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words.
(i) Dialogue between Matilda and M. Loisel ________
Matilda: I don't know how to tell you this but I met Madam Forestier today and she told me that her necklace was false
one.
M Loisel: What! I can't believe my ears. That huge debt was for nothing!
Matilda: Yes, M Loisel it is really surprising that we had to go through so much. I don't know what God had in store for
us.
M Loisel: Shocking it is really! Unbelievable. She told you all this herself.
Matilda: Madam Forestier was shocked, even she could believe that we had to go through so much just for the sake of
this false necklace.
M Loisel: Now what do you think we should do?
Matilda: Well! We can ask her to give back the real diamond necklace to us. So, that we can repay our debts.
M Loisel: What if she refuses?
Matilda: Well! Madam Forestier is a friend of mine. She will never refuse. I am sure. Let me just speak to her.
M Loisel: Do what you feel like.
(ii) In "The Thief's Story," a thrifty criminal learns the importance of kindness and confidence. Additionally, the reader
learns how to transform someone for the better and overcome moral behaviour. Although Anil is shown to be careless
with money, he differs from the rich and the avaricious in that he chooses to see human progress as something that
anyone can achieve. He knows that the robber attempted to take his money, yet he still believes that his support and
compassion will be helpful. Because of Anil's trust, generosity, concern, and assistance, the thief underwent a complete
transformation; he stopped stealing and acquired skills that would allow him to support himself going forward. The story
exemplifies the transforming power of kindness and empathy, which can have a positive influence on a person's life and
motivate them to make positive changes.

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