NODIA APP Sample Paper 16 Page 1

Sample Paper 16
English Language and Literature (184)
Class-X Exam 2024-25
Time Allowed : 3 Hrs. 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 Textbook
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A - READING SKILLS 20

1. Read the following text. 10
1. Not too long ago, a group of teachers studied students and their learning problems. They
found something interesting. Students who struggled in subjects like Maths or Art could
still do well in other areas. However, students who were bad at reading tended to do
poorly in all their subjects.
2. At first, the teachers were confused by this, but they soon found the answer. They
realized that even subjects like Maths and Science depend on reading.
3. While other skills are involved in subjects like Maths, such as adding and subtracting,
most instructions are given in written form. Students often have to read homework
directions, tests, and word problems. If students can’t read and understand these, they
can’t solve the problems. So, being good at reading is important for success in almost
every subject.
4. If you go to college, you’ll spend most of your study time reading. You’ll need more
information, and the best way to get it is by reading. Even if information comes in
movies or tapes, it won’t help you unless you know how to read. In the future, magazines
and books may be on computers or microfilm, but they will still need to be read. The
same applies to learning in school—printed material isn’t going away anytime soon.
5. Success in school still depends on being able to read well. Students who can’t read or
don’t read well enough to understand the material will struggle. You are entering a
world where more and more reading is required every day. Instructions for using apps,
cooking food, understanding traffic signs, travel guides, and safety warnings all require
reading skills.
6. Your ability to find and keep a job is also linked to your reading ability. Even the simplest
jobs require some reading, and many people get better-paying jobs by learning new
skills through reading. The more specialized the job, the more you need to read quickly
and confidently. Doctors read medical journals to keep up with the latest treatments,
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pharmacists read prescriptions, and lawyers spend a lot of time reading legal documents.
Jobs that require strong reading skills are growing fast, and today, people who can’t read
well may have a hard time finding employment.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. In paragraph 1, what did the teachers discover about students who struggled with
reading? 1

ii. Complete the following with the correct option : 1

Why do students who are bad at reading struggle in subjects like Maths and Science?
(a) Because these subjects don’t require any reading.
(b) Because even these subjects have written instructions and problems that students
need to read and understand.
(paragraph 2)

iii. How does reading affect success in Maths, as explained in paragraph 3? 2

iv. Select the option that best explains the importance of reading in college : 1
(a) College students spend most of their time doing practical work.
(b) College students need to read a lot to get information, and even future technologies
will still require reading.
(paragraph 4)

v. State whether the following statement is True or False. 1

Printed material will soon disappear from schools, according to the passage.
(paragraph 4)

vi. The writer mentions in paragraph 5 that more reading is required in daily life today. 1
Which of the following are two examples of things that require reading skills?
(A) Understanding traffic signs and safety warnings.
(B) Instructions for using apps and food preparation guides.
(C) Both (A) and (B).
(D) Memorizing phone numbers and recognizing faces.
(paragraph 5)

vii. List two reasons why reading is important for getting and keeping a job, as mentioned
in the passage. 2
(paragraph 6)

viii. Fill in the blank with the correct option : 1

According to the passage, people who cannot read well :
(A) Will still find jobs easily in most professions.
(B) May struggle to find employment in today’s world where reading is necessary.
(C) Do not need to worry about learning to read quickly or confidently.
(D) Don’t need to worry about improving their reading skills.
(paragraph 6)
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2. Read the following text. 10

1. The rise of e-commerce has transformed the global retail landscape. In 2023, global
e-commerce sales reached $5.9 trillion, accounting for 20% of total retail sales. This is a
significant increase from 2015, when e-commerce accounted for just 7.4% of retail sales.
2. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, with online shopping becoming a
preferred method for many consumers. By 2021, more than 2.1 billion people worldwide
made online purchases, representing over a quarter of the global population. Convenience,
a wide range of options, and competitive pricing are major factors driving this growth.
3. Despite its advantages, e-commerce faces challenges. Issues like cybersecurity threats, data
privacy concerns, and environmental impacts from packaging and delivery services have
raised questions about its sustainability. Additionally, the rapid growth of e-commerce
has increased competition among retailers, with small businesses struggling to keep up.
4. Governments and businesses are working to address these issues. Many countries have
implemented stricter regulations on data privacy and introduced initiatives to promote
sustainable packaging and carbon-neutral delivery methods. E-commerce companies are
investing in technologies like artificial intelligence and automation to enhance customer
experiences and reduce environmental impacts.
5. Experts predict that by 2030, e-commerce will account for 30% of total retail sales,
further transforming the retail industry and reshaping consumer behavior.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. What does the use of the phrase “transformed the global retail landscape” by the writer,
in paragraph 1, tell us about the impact of e-commerce? 1
(A) The writer is highlighting how e-commerce has drastically changed the retail
industry.
(B) The writer believes e-commerce has had little impact on retail.
(C) The writer thinks e-commerce is not significant for retail.
(D) The writer is indifferent to e-commerce’s impact on retail.

ii. Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below : 1
Assertion : E-commerce grew rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reason : The pandemic made online shopping a preferred method for many consumers
due to convenience and safety concerns.
(A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

iii. Identify the percentage of global retail sales accounted for by e-commerce in 2023, as
mentioned in the passage. 1
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iv. According to the passage, what are two major challenges faced by the e-commerce
industry? 1

v. Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank : 1
The percentage of global e-commerce sales has risen sharply since 2015, driven by
convenience, competitive pricing, and a wide range of options.
In 2023, e-commerce accounted for _____ (15% / 20% / 30%) of total retail sales.

vi. What are some of the strategies mentioned in the passage that businesses and governments
are using to address e-commerce challenges? 1

vii. Complete the sentence suitably. 1

E-commerce companies are investing in new technologies such as _____.

viii. Complete the following with a suitable reason : 1

Experts predict that e-commerce will account for 30% of total retail sales by 2030
because _____.

ix. In the context of paragraph 5, why is the growth of e-commerce expected to further
transform the retail industry? 2

SECTION B - WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR 20

GRAMMAR 10

3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed.

i. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete an online update.
Forests remove carbon from the atmosphere _____ that is roughly 13% of our total
emission.
(A) at a rate (B) on a rate
(C) at the rate (D) on the rate

ii. Read the conversation between a doctor and his patient. Complete the sentence by
reporting the patient’s reply correctly.
Passenger 1 : Are you from the software industry sir?
Passenger 2 : Yes, but how do you know?
Passenger 1, tried to recollect some experience and asked passenger 2 _____. On this,
passenger 2 nodded his head in affirmation and inquisitively asked how he knew that.

iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line.
When life is uncertain, our usual responses and coping strategies
not always work.
(A) may (B) might
(C) can (D) could
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iv. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following
line, from a proceeding in family court.
Option No. Error Correction
(A) observations observation
(B) seems seem
(C) out outside
(D) the a
v. Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option :
The centre _____ to monetize its prime real estate asset in the heart of the national
capital to generate funds for redevelopment of seven residential colonies.
(A) was looking (B) will be looking
(C) is looking (D) has been looking
vi. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given
portion of a letter :
Subject : Appeal for Assam Flood Relief
Respected Sir/Madam,
In the last month, India has witnessed one of the worst manifestations of nature’s
wrath-floods in Assam, which _____ (wash) away thousands of pilgrims, resulting in
a massive loss of life and property, and leaving millions impoverished and homeless.
vii. Report the dialogue between Vivek and Neerja by completing the sentence :
Vivek : Life is so comfortable for homemakers.
Neerja : You are showing your stereotyped mentality.
In response to the idea of Vivek about homemakers, Neerja said that _____.
viii. Identify the error in the given sentence, from a school magazine report and supply the correction.
A group of students were invited to come on stage and play a drama scene. The drama
they presented was funny and interesting.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

ix. Binny shared some information, with Pansy, about her visit to a War Memorial. Report
Pansy’s question.
How much time did you spend at the War Memorial?
x. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
Must you pick up my brother from school on your way home tomorrow?
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction
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xi. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows :
Martha : Why are you spraying wax on your car tyres?
Jhumru : It makes the rubber last longer and prevents it from drying.
Martha : (looking amused) Is it like putting lotion on your skin?
Jhumru : Yes, exactly. Now I see you are beginning to get the point.
Martha asked her husband _____. Jhumru explained that it made the rubber last
longer and prevented that from dying.
(A) why he was spraying wax on his car tyres.
(B) why was he spraying wax on his car tyres.
(C) why was he spraying wax on his car tyres?
(D) why he was spraying wax on his car tyres?

xii. Identify the error on a newspaper headline and supply the correction, for the following
Dispersing through thinning forests, tigers came into conflict with humans.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

WRITING 10
Note : All details presented in the questions in writing section are imaginary and
created for assessment purpose.
4A. Your state government has banned the use of plastic bags. You are highly moved by the
violence of the rule in the weekly markets. You are Amarjeet, a resident of Wave City
Ghaziabad.
Write a letter to the Editor of The Tribune, in not more than 120 words, drawing atten-
tion towards harm caused by law offence and also aware people about the need of the
hour.


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4B. You recently came across an advertisement by A New Dimension, Mehrauli, which offers
various bridge courses in Creative Writing for students of Class X. You are Prakash/
Pratishtha of B 905, Goenka Building, Mansarover Park, New Delhi, interested in
pursuing a course during your summer break. Write a letter enquiring about the course
details. (120 words)

5A. The following data in the graph indicates the percentage of children in Grade 10 in
Model Town who have joined coaching institutes, and which has only increased further.
Describe in about 120 words how this trend has only changed over the years.
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5B. Analyse the picture in your own words in about 120 words.

SECTION C - LITERATURE TEXTBOOK 40

6. Read the given extracts and answer ANY ONE of the two questions given below 5
A. The moon was coming up in the east, behind me, and stars were shining in the clear sky
above me. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I was happy to be alone high up above the
sleeping countryside.
(Two Stories about Flying)
i. What is the significance of not a single cloud in the sky?

ii. What was the pilot flying?

iii. How did the pilot feel after calling the Paris Control the first time? Answer in about 40
words.
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iv. What effect does the scenery, as described in the lines below, have on the narrator?
I was happy to be alone high up above the sleeping countryside.
Choose the most suitable option.
(A) excites (B) comforts
(C) saddens (D) frightens

B. Poor Kisa Gotami now went from house to house, and the people pitied her and said,
“Here is mustard-seed; take it!” But when she asked, “Did a son or daughter, a father or
mother, die in your family?” they answered her, ‘Alas! the living are few, but the dead
are many. Do not remind us of our deepest grief”. And there was no house but some
beloved one had died in it.
(The Sermon at Benares)
i. Kisa Gotami’s joy was short-lived because _____.
(A) she was not assured any help by her neighbours
(B) no physician could revive her son
(C) she could not get mustard seed from each house
(D) she realised that death could not be averted
ii. In sending Kisa Gotami from house to house, what was Buddha trying to teach her.
Answer in about 40 words.
iii. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The word ‘grief’ in the line “Do not remind us of our deepest grief” indicates that the
people were filled with _____ (sorrow/joy).
iv. Is it correct to say that had Buddha been alive today, he could have become either a
counsellor or a psychologist? Why?

7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 5
A. He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
(A Tiger in the Zoo)

i. Fill the blank with one word.

The Tiger is in a ‘quiet rage’ because his _____ has been curtailed.

ii. The meaning of the line ‘in his quiet rage’ is _____.
(A) The tiger is hungry
(B) The tiger is sleepy
(C) The tiger is unhappy and controlling his anger
(D) The tiger is lazy
NODIA APP Sample Paper 16 Page 9

iii. How does the tiger show his presence?

iv. Why does a tiger express his rage quietly ? Answer in about 40 words.

B. “Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household, And little mouse Blink
strategically mouse-holed. But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine, Clashed
his tail like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm, He went at the pirate like a robin
at a worm.”
(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)

i. What is the poet’s purpose of using onomatopoeic words in the extract?

ii. What does the poet want to convey through these lines? Answer in about 40 words.

iii. Select the appropriate option that supports the idea in the extract.
(A) You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.
(B) Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is strong.
(C) Fear makes strangers of people who would be friends.
(D) Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop
you.

iv. Complete the following suitably.

The extract mentions ‘irons’ in dungeons. According to the extract, ‘irons’ refers to
_____.

8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. 4 # 3 = 12
i. The poet in the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’ conveys that we should give importance to the
inner beauty and not to the physical appearance. Explain with reference to the poem.

ii. What do the roots do all night?

(The Trees)

iii. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?

(Glimpses of India)

iv. What do the ‘Hemlock tree’ and ‘Crow’ represent? What does the dust of snow
metaphorically stand for?
(Dust of Snow)

v. How does Natalaya react when she comes to know that Lomov had come to propose for
her hand?
(The Proposal)
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9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2#3 = 6
i. What changes came into the life of Loisels after the necklace was lost?
(The Necklace)

ii. Scientists contribute to make the world a better place. Griffin is an antithesis to this
statement. Justify.
(Footprints Without Feet)

iii. Elaborate on the quality of the book that saved the planet Earth.
(The Book That Saved the Earth)

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 6
i. Valli and Anne Frank, both were independent souls who wished to be what they are.
Assume they both meet each other in the town and have a conversation about their
passion and curiosity.
Write this conversation as per your understanding of ‘From the Diary of Anne Frank’
and ‘Madam Rides the Bus’.
You may begin like this
Anne : Hey, how are you here?
Valli : Just an adventure to town.

ii. “Mandela mentions that every man has twin obligations. The first is to his family,
parents, wife and children; the second obligation is to his people, his community and his
country.”
How is the first obligation well performed by mother seagull in the story The First
Flight’.

11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 6
i. Horace Danby represents such people who adopt the wrong ways to fulfil their wishes.
What values would you like such people to imbibe to reform themselves?
(A Question of Trust)

ii. With reference to The Midnight Visitor’, do you think presence of mind should be
developed and to what advantage? Elaborate highlighting the characteristics of Ausable.

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