KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN DELHI REGION

SUBJECT -ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE (101)

Class- 10
Maximum Marks:40 Duration :1.50 hours
General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
I. All questions are compulsory.
II. This question paper contains four sections:
section A: Reading Skills,
Section B: Writing Skills
Section C: Grammar
Section D: Literature Textbook
III. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
IV. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
V. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A: READING (6 marks)

1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: (6 Marks)
Between the earliest primitive human and the modern civilised man persists one unchanging
connecting thread, which makes them alike beggars and seekers in one sphere. We could be rich
with family, wealth, and friends. Yet, with a variety of comforts around, the heart and mind remain
weak, impoverished, and fearful. That is why the Upanishadic thinkers sang: ‘Atmana vindate
veeryam vidyaya vindate amritam’ – By his SELF he attains strength and by knowledge, immortality;
Kena Upanishad verse 12.
Yugas have passed since. None could alter a syllable of this most ancient dictum. It said, and says
for all times, that veeryam, that is, courage, confidence, can be gained only from Atmam, the Soul.
The earth is very vast before us. Vaster is the water, and still more so is the surrounding air. To see
anything else of the world, we have to look up to endless heights. When the same eyes are then
turned to your body for a survey, you realise how small, insignificant, trifling it is in size, weight, and
capacities. Where reigns the range of the world, and where breathes our little body on earth? How
can a trifling possession like the body instil courage?
We want courage, heroism, valour to such a dimension that the huge, endless world, its terrors,
and challenges will not unsettle our minds. There will be cyclones, droughts, floods, fire and many
other threats. The world has never been free of these. Modes of travel have advanced. This has
made accidents more probable and widespread. We hear of them, often see them regularly. Every
such instance tends to dim our spirits.
From where will the courage which we need to meet the challenges of life dawn or flow? The
question is not new. It is the oldest. Our thinkers knew that it would ever remain fresh and alive.
They answered it in the choicest words which, by their intrinsic worth, remain precious and
unalterable. How well have the Upanishads affirmed: ‘Tam eva bhantam anubhati sarvam tasya
bhasa sarvam idam vibhati’ – this perishable body is able to exist and function because of the
imperishable Soul. In the Soul’s brilliance alone is seen and felt everything else. It is not that
the body enables the Soul to be. It is the Soul that enables the body to be. To fall into delusion is
easy. To get out of it is hard.
Look into the world, only for gaining knowledge to be used for outer work. For gaining courage in
increasing measures, however, you have to look to your own within. Break through the mortal
sheaths of your body. Rise above the mind-sheath. Penetrate the intellectual one also. Try. Strive,
by thoughts, through strong aspiration, by means of introspection, if not by meditation. You have
the power to do it.
1. According to the passage, where does true courage and strength originate from? (1)

a. External possessions and achievements

b. Physical prowess and stature
c. The imperishable Soul or Atman
d) social status and recognition

2. What analogy is used in the passage to illustrate the insignificance of the individual body
compared to the vastness of the world? (1)
a) A mountain and a molehill
b) The ocean and a drop of water
c) The sky and a grain of sand
d) The universe and a speck of dust

3. How does the passage suggest one can cultivate inner courage and resilience? (1)
a) Through external achievements and recognition
b) By relying solely on physical strength and capabilities
c) Through introspection, aspiration, and meditation
d) By seeking validation from others

4. What event is mentioned towards the end of the passage? (1)

a) The Delhi Jnana Yajna
b) The Mumbai Yoga Festival
c) The Kolkata Spiritual Retreat
d) The Chennai Mindfulness Workshop

5. Explain in a sentence the significance of the imperishable Soul, as emphasized in the passage. (1)

6. How does the passage suggest individuals can transcend the limitations of the body and mind to
cultivate inner resilience? (1)
 SECTION B- WRITING SKILLS (10 Marks)
2.Due to the increasing cases of attack against women, you, being the head girl wish to learn the
lessons of self-defence. Write an email to the Principal of your school, explaining the necessity of the
classes and ensuring good results. (3 marks)

3A. You are Sourabh Srivastava, a resident of Defense Colony Bagdogra, Siliguri. Your Colony is
facing the severe problem of inadequate and contaminated water supply. You decide to express
your views and make the authorities aware of the situation by writing a letter to the Editor of The
Siliguri Times, Siliguri. Write your letter in about 100- 120 words. Take ideas from the MCB unit 4
‘Environment’ (4 marks)
OR
3B. Though there is a movement like ‘Sarvashiksha Abhiyan’ and enrolling of underprivileged
children in schools, there are still many children, like the one in the picture, who do not go to
school, rather have never seen a school. It is indeed disturbing. You decide to write a letter to the
editor of a newspaper expressing your views and the steps to be taken. Take ideas from the MCB
unit ‘Education’. Write the letter in about 120 words. (4 marks)

4A. Yoga has now come to be accepted globally as a way to keep healthy. Recognising its universal
appeal, the United Nations declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. With the help of
given clues write an interesting article on Yoga for health. You may use ideas from Unit 1 Health
and Medicine. (3 marks)
• Yoga-India's contribution to the world
• 5000-year old practice
• Doctors to admit - immense health benefits
• Has become more important
• With change in our life-style
• Physical, mental and psychological benefits
OR
4B India is a tourist’s dream destination. Give your views on the tourism potential of India in an
article, in 150 words. . With the help of given clues write an interesting article on ‘India- A Dream
Destination’ You may use ideas from Unit 5 ‘Travel and Tourism’. You are Navtej/Navita.
(8marks)
Places of worship – religious tourism – foreigners – places of historical interest- the rich hill stations
during summers – the sun-kissed beaches in winters – leisure tourism – medical tourism – world
class hospitals.

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (6 marks)

7 Complete the tasks (A) to (C), as directed

7A. Fill in the blanks with appropriate options given in the brackets. 3M
What is perspective?
Perspective and view point (a)……….. (are/is/of/in) miracles that (b)…......(gone/assist/give/share) us
in our lives. We have the opportunity to (c)............(see/saw/seeing/view) a moment and see it from
every angle.

7C Read the conversation below and complete the report that follows. 3M
Son : Mummy, Where have I put my wallet ?
Mother: I don’t know. Ask your father.
Son : He will say the same thing.
Mother : Why don’t you put things in their proper place ?
A son asked his mother (a)...................The mother replied that (b) and advised him to ask
his father. The son retorted saying that he would say the same thing. The mother asked him
(c) .

SECTION D- LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (18 marks)

8. Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for any two excerpts, of
the three, given. (4+4=8)
(A) All in a hot and copper
sky, The bloody Sun, at noon,
Right up above the mast did
stand, No bigger than the Moon.
a) How is the Sun different now from the Sun earlier?
i. The sun is hot now but earlier the sun was glorious
ii. The sun is glorious and red now but earlier the sun was hot
iii. There is no Sun now only fog and mist 28
iv. The Sun was large earlier but now it is small

b) Why are the sailors unable to move at this moment?

i. They are stuck in the land of ice and snow

ii. They are unable to move because they were surrounded by icebergs
iii. There is no breeze to help them sail.
iv. The rotting vegetation does not allow them to sail.
c) Name a poetic device used in the above lines.
i. Repetition ii. Imagery iii. Simile iv. Metaphor
d) What does the term "bloody Sun" most likely imply in the context of the
excerpt? i The Sun appears red or intense
ii The Sun is obscured by clouds
iii The Sun is setting
iv The Sun is reflecting off the water
(B) CAESAR: And you are come in very happy time,
To bear my greeting to the senators
And tell them that I will not come to-day:
CALPURNIA: Say he is sick.
a) Whom does Caesar greet in the first line?
i. Antony ii. Decius Brutus iii. Brutus iv. Antony
b) What message does Caesar want to send to the senators?
i. He will not come to the Senate.
ii. He wants to greet the senators
iii. He is afraid to move out of the house
iv. He is sick
c) What makes Caesar change his mind?
i. He is feeling better
ii. He wants to rejuvenate Rome and give it new blood
iii. He is afraid of what the Senators will think of him.
iv. The information that the Senators plan to give him a crown that day
d)What is the implication of Caesar's decision not to go to the Senate?
i He is avoiding confrontation with the senators
ii He is genuinely ill
iii He fears for his safety
iv He is preoccupied with other matters

(C). “This writing business is delightful, isn’t it?” I said sarcastically at last, out loud, too. You see, I
had reached the stage of imbecility when I was talking to myself.
i Who is the speaker of these lines?
ii What does the narrator mean by writing business?
iii Which word has the narrator used sarcastically?
iv Which stage of imbecility has the narrator reached?

9. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in about 30- 40 words each (2x5=10 Marks)
a) Why did Ali not come to the Post Office for several days? Why was he impatient when he finally
returned to the Post Office?
b) Why did the frog observe the animals who came to hear the nightingale with joy, which was
both sweet and bitter?
c) Why does the woman turn away from the lake in agitation?
d) The crowd in Julius Caesar does not understand the speech of Brutus. Comment.
e) Why does the narrator hesitate to be a partner to Laura Hinkle during the Ouija Boards party?
f) “The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed”. Whose hand and heart are referred to in
this line?
8
9
###############################################################

MARKING SCHEME
ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE (Code No. 101)
SECTION A
PASSAGE 1
1.c. Recognizes the financial challenges faced by archaeologists and proposes a controversial
solution.

2. The tone of the writer in the given lines is pragmatic and assertive. The author rationalizes the
proposal to sell excavated artifacts by addressing practical concerns and proposing a solution to
financial challenges in archaeology.

3. The author suggests selling excavated artefacts on the open market as a solution to the financial
challenges in archaeology because it would provide substantial funds for excavation, preservation,
and publication of results, while also reducing the incentive for illegal excavation.

4. Sets of antonyms:
a. Poorest / Richest

10
b. Legal / Unauthorized
5. The author's tone becomes more persuasive and pragmatic when discussing the proposal to sell
excavated artefacts, compared to objections against it, because the author provides practical
solutions and addresses concerns about financial sustainability in archaeology.

6. The author justifies selling duplicate artefacts from archaeological excavations by highlighting the
practical challenges faced by archaeologists, such as limited storage space and funding constraints.
By selling duplicates, funds can be generated to support further excavation, preservation, and
publication efforts.

7.b. Selling artefacts is a viable solution to fund archaeological endeavours and reduce illegal
excavation.

8. The lines display a rational argument in favour of selling archaeological artefacts.

9.Two major problems faced by archaeology as a profession are:

a. Limited funding for excavation, preservation, and publication of results.
b. Illegal excavation leading to the sale of valuable artefacts to the highest bidder.

Passage 2
1. c) The imperishable Soul or Atman
2. b) The ocean and a drop of water

3. c) Through introspection, aspiration, and meditation

4. a) The Delhi Jnana Yajna

5. The imperishable Soul is highlighted as the source of true courage and strength, contrasting with
the transient nature of the physical body and external possessions.

6. The passage suggests individuals can cultivate inner resilience through introspection, aspiration,
and potentially meditation, emphasizing the importance of looking within to find true courage and
strength.

7. Body

8. introspection

SECTION B -WRITING SKILLS

From :swathi@gmail.com

To:pplkvmncl@gmail.com

Cc

Bcc

11
 Subject: Establishment of new furniture

I am writing to express my concern about the safety of girls in public places and the need for
self-defence courses. Recently, I noticed several ...(mention some incidents that highlights
the safety concerns of women.)
- Explain the need for a self-defense training camp.
- Provide reasons why you believe this is important for the students.
- You could mention increasing awareness about personal safety, building confidence
among students, or the benefits of knowing basic self-defense techniques.

I am writing this letter on behalf of all the students and teachers. We would be thankful if
you do the needful.

Thank you,
Swathi
Head Girl(Kendriya Vidyalaya Mancherial)

4)

Founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber, Jaipur is known as the Pink
City and serves as the capital and largest city of Rajasthan. Renowned as a popular tourist
destination, Jaipur holds the distinction of being India’s first planned city, featuring wide and
regular streets organized into six sectors, separated by broad streets. Key attractions include the
iconic Hawa Mahal, beautiful formal gardens, a quaint lake, and the Nahargarh Fort, which was the
residence of King Sawai Jai Singh II located on a hill. Additionally, the Jantar Mantar, an
astronomical observatory in Jaipur, is recognized as a World Heritage Site.

5A

Defence Colony
Bagdogra

15th April 2024

The Editor
The Siliguri Times
Siliguri

Subject: Inadequate and contaminated water supply.

Sir

12
13
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the civic
authorities to the contaminated and inadequate supply of water in our locality. It is unfortunate
that the local civic authorities do not take care to provide the citizens with even the basic amenities
such as proper and adequate water supply. In our locality, water is supplied only for three hours in
the morning. For the rest of the day the taps remains dry. Also, the supplied water is impure. It is
unhygienic and inadequate. There have been cases of water borne diseases. The water bone
diseases may break out in form of epidemic, if the problem is not properly addressed to.
It is expected that instead of ignoring the issue, the authorities concerned will take immediate steps
to ensure supply of adequate and potable water in our locality so that we residence are able to
leave a disease free and healthy life.

Yours truly
Sourabh Srivastava
OR

5B

87 A Saket Colony
Agra

25th October 20 xx

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject: Educating the Underprivileged
Sir
Through the columns of your reputed newspaper, I wish to draw your attention towards the
movement ‘Sarvashiksha Abhiyan’ which aims at providing knowledge to all children. Even the act
RTE-Right to Education also ensures education for all children between the age of four to fourteen.
But these movements and acts do not show themselves implemented anywhere especially in the
underprivileged class. There are still many children who do not go to school. They either work as a
domestic labour or work in factories, dhabas, etc. It is disturbing to note that our government’s
plans are not bearing any fruits. It is all because of lack of awareness towards these kinds of
movements.
We all need the help of print media as well as electronic media to spread messages of awareness to
the masses. The underprivileged children must be made to realize that they have the right to get
education. So, they must go to school. The foremost thing is to discourage child-labour so as to give

14
these children a bright future. I hope you will pay attention to this noble cause and publish it in
your newspaper.
Thanking you.
Yours sincerely Siddharth Singh

6A.

The Timeless Wisdom of Yoga: A Pathway to Holistic Health

- By Sudha
Yoga, an ancient practice with origins stretching back over 5,000 years in India, has transcended its
birthplace to become a global emblem of health and well-being. Recognizing its universal appeal
and timeless benefits, the United Nations has designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga,
affirming its significance in today’s rapidly changing world.

The evolution of our lifestyles, marked by increased stress levels and sedentary habits, has made
the role of yoga more critical than ever. Doctors and health professionals around the world are now
acknowledging the immense health benefits that yoga offers. Its holistic approach not only
encompasses physical health but extends to mental and psychological well-being, making it a
comprehensive fitness solution in our modern lives.

Yoga's appeal lies in its versatility and accessibility. Whether it’s through breathing exercises
(pranayama), physical postures (asanas), or meditation (dhyana), yoga offers tools for managing
everyday stress and enhancing overall vitality. These practices help in improving flexibility,
strengthening muscles, and boosting cardiovascular health. On a psychological level, yoga assists in
alleviating anxiety and depression, enhancing mood, and improving concentration and mental
clarity.

As we embrace this age-old wisdom, we find that yoga offers more than just physical health
benefits—it cultivates a sense of harmony between the mind, body, and environment. In a world
where mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent, yoga provides a refuge for peace
and recalibration of our mental state.

In embracing yoga, we are not just adopting a series of exercises; we are inheriting a philosophy
that advocates balance, discipline, and a holistic approach to health that is more relevant today
than ever before. This International Day of Yoga, let us commit to integrating this profound practice
into our daily lives, unlocking a healthier, more balanced future.

6B

India- A Dream Destination

By Navita
India is a land of diversity-Diversity of culture, religion, language, food, occupation. Besides this,
exquisite monuments and temples together with archaeological finds for the tourists make India a
15
travelers delight. Being the birthplace of many religions like Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, India

16
is also an ideal place for religious tourism. Places like Bodhgaya, Shirdi, and Rishikesh are thriving
because of religious tourism.
India has an array of destinations to offer- beautiful beaches, forests and wildlife, snow capped
peaks, rivers and mountain peaks for adventure tourism, technological parks and science museums
for science tourism, centres of pilgrimage for spiritual tourism, heritage trains and hotels for
heritage tourism. A new growth sector is medical tourism. It is currently growing steadily with world
class hospitals. Yoga, ayurveda and natural health resorts also attract tourists.
Indian tourism has vast potential for generating employment and earning large sums of foreign
exchange besides giving a boost to the country’s overall economic and social development. Much
has been achieved by way of increasing trains and railway connectivity to important tourist
destinations, four-lane roads connecting important tourist centres and increasing availability of
accommodation by adding heritage hotels to the hotel industry and encouraging paying guest
accommodation.

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)

7 Complete the tasks (A) to (C), as directed
A. Fill in the blanks i-iii with appropriate options given in the brackets. (1x3 =3 Marks)
Answers
a) are
b) assist
c) see

B Error Correction (1X4=4Marks)

Error Correction
(a) for with
(b) long last long lasting
(c) a the
(d) with of
7C Read the conversation below and complete the report that follows. ( 1x3 =3 Marks)
a) where she had put his wallet
b) she did not know
c) why he didn't put things in their proper place

SECTION D- LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)

8. Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for ANY TWO excerpts, of the three,
given. (1x4=4Marks)
8(A) (POEM) EXTRACT BASED
a) i. The sun is hot now but earlier the sun was glorious
b) iii. There is no breeze to help them sail.
c) ii. Imagery
d) i) The Sun appears red or intense
17
8(B) (DRAMA) EXTRACT BASED:

18
a) ii. Decius Brutus (1x4=4Marks)
b) i. He will not come to the Senate.
c) iv. The information that the Senators plan to give him a crown that day
d) i) He is avoiding confrontation with the senators
8(C) )( PROSE) EXTRACT BASED (1x4=4Marks)
i) John Hallock, the narrator of the story, is the speaker of these lines.
ii) By writing business the narrator means writing ghost stories.
iii) The narrator uses the word ‘delightful’ sarcastically.
iv) The narrator had reached the stage of imbecility when he was talking to himself.

9. Answer Any Five of the following six questions in about 30 – 40 words each. (5×2=10)
To be marked for Content & Organisation. Up to 1 mark can be deducted for
Inaccuracy.
a) Ali could not go to the post office as he was very sick and had clear signs of approaching death .
He was impatient when he finally returned to the Post Office as he knew it was his last day as he
was about to die and was anxious as he had not received Miriam's ( his daughter’s) letter .

b) The joy of the frog was sweet as the nightingale could gather so many people to attend her
concert. The more the audience, the more would be the earning, which the nightingale was bound
to pay to the frog as tuition fees. Moreover, he was happy that he succeeds in torturing the bird
and pushing her towards death. However, it was bitter as he knew deep within his heart that the
nightingale's talent surpassed his own and thus, nobody as great as the present audience had ever
come to hear him from far and wide. It was pure jealousy.

c) This woman is preoccupied with her reflection, hoping to find in it “what she really is.” Even
though the mirror itself is objective—in other words, it reflects exactly what stands before it—the
woman looking at her reflection still cannot see herself in its image.

d) The crowd's reaction indicates that they do not fully grasp Brutus's reasoning. Despite his
eloquence and logical arguments, Brutus fails to connect with the common people emotionally.
They are swayed more by the passionate rhetoric of Antony, who skillfully manipulates their
emotions to turn them against the conspirators. Thus, while Brutus speaks with clarity and
conviction, his message fails to resonate with the crowd in the same way Antony's does.

e) It was only on this condition that Helen promised to help the narrator to write ghost stories. If
Helen sees him now himself trying to communicate ghosts through Ouija board, he fear show and
what she would do to him. That is why the narrator was reluctant to be a partner to Laura Hinkle
during the Ouija Board party.

f) “The hand that mocked them” here means the hand of the sculptor. After understanding the
passions that arose in the heart of Ozymandias he reproduced mocked them on the stone. “The
heart that fed” here means the heart of king Ozymandias which gave birth to those passions as
were mocked reproduced or copied by the sculptor on the stone.
19
10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 150 words. (1X8=8 Marks)

a) "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge incorporates several supernatural
elements that contribute to the haunting and mystical atmosphere of the poem. These elements
include the appearance of a ghostly ship crewed by spirits, the curse placed upon the mariner after
he shoots the albatross, and the presence of Death and Life-in-Death as supernatural figures.
The supernatural elements in the poem serve to underscore the theme of guilt and redemption, as
the mariner is punished for his heedless act of killing the albatross and must seek redemption
through his suffering and penance. The eerie and otherworldly atmosphere created by these
supernatural elements also adds to the sense of foreboding and moral weight of the mariner's tale,
making it a powerful exploration of human nature and the consequences of our actions.
OR
b) Mark Antony's success in instigating the people of Rome against the conspirators stems from his
astute understanding of human psychology and his skillful use of rhetoric. In the quoted lines,
Antony acknowledges the power of mischief and chaos to achieve his desired outcome, indicating
his willingness to let events unfold unpredictably. Throughout his speech, Antony strategically
appeals to the emotions of the crowd, exploiting their love for Caesar and their growing resentment
towards the conspirators. He skillfully uses vivid imagery and repetition to evoke sympathy for
Caesar and outrage against his murderers. By highlighting Caesar's positive qualities and portraying
him as a martyr for the people, Antony stirs up feelings of loyalty and indignation among the crowd.
Additionally, Antony's clever manipulation of Brutus's own words further undermines the
conspirators' credibility. Ultimately, Antony's calculated rhetoric incites the crowd to riot against
the conspirators, demonstrating the power of persuasive speech in influencing public opinion and
inciting action.

MODEL SAMPLE PAPER – 12

SECTION A: READING (22 marks)

1. Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage: 12 marks
1. Friendships have always played a vital role in human societies, but their significance has
grown considerably in modern times. Today, many of us find ourselves living and working far
from where we were born or raised, often separated by vast distances from our original
families. This geographical separation can create a sense of longing and emotional
discomfort, as being away from family can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection
from our roots. In such scenarios, friends become our chosen family, providing the emotional
support and connection that we might otherwise lack. The happiness and well-being of
individuals are closely intertwined with the quality of their friendships.

2. Friendships form a necessary human connection, acting as a buffer against stress and a
source of joy and fulfillment. It is entirely normal to need and want friends, as they bring
intimacy and richness to our lives. Studies have shown that those without close friends are
more prone to depression and anxiety. Often, friends share similar values, which can differ
20
from the values

21
instilled in us during our upbringing. These shared values are typically those we have developed
and embraced in our adult lives, reflecting our personal growth and experiences.
3. Friendships are built on consideration and mutual respect, which bring into play various
communication skills. These include active listening, where we fully concentrate on what our
friend is saying, and questioning skills, which help clarify understanding. Negotiation skills are
important as well, allowing friends to resolve conflicts and differences amicably. Different
perspectives on friendship highlight its multifaceted nature. Some view friendships as crucial for
emotional support and mental health, acting as a buffer against life's challenges. Others
emphasize the role of friendships in personal growth and identity formation, providing a space
where one can explore and redefine oneself.

4. In a world where globalization often brings people from varied backgrounds together,
friendships can enhance cultural competence and lead to richer, more inclusive experiences. By
interacting with friends from different cultures, individuals can learn to appreciate different
ways of life, traditions, and perspectives, which can broaden their worldview and increase their
empathy towards others.
5. For some, friendships are seen as a reflection of personal values and choices, distinct from
those inherited from family. This perspective highlights the autonomy and agency individuals
have in crafting their social circles, allowing them to surround themselves with people who
share their beliefs and passions. On the other hand, some might view friendships as transient,
evolving with life's circumstances and personal changes, and see value in both deep, enduring
connections and more casual, situational friendships. In conclusion, friendships are a
cornerstone of human experience, enriched by effective communication and empathy. They
provide emotional support, facilitate personal growth, and enhance our understanding of the
world. By embracing the diversity of friendships and recognizing their impact on our lives.
6. We can cultivate relationships that are meaningful and transformative. Whether viewed
through the lens of emotional support, personal development, or cultural exchange, the role of
friendships in our lives is immeasurable. By investing time and effort into our friendships, we
not only enrich our own lives but also contribute positively to the lives of those around us. As
we navigate the complexities of modern life, the bonds we form with friends become a crucial
pillar of support, helping us to cope with challenges and celebrate successes. Ultimately,
friendships are a testament to the human capacity for connection, compassion, and
understanding, underscoring the importance of nurturing these relationships throughout our
lives.
Answer the following questions: -

I. According to the passage, friendships not only offer emotional support but also foster
by allowing individuals to appreciate diverse perspectives and
broaden their understanding of different cultures. 1 mark

II. In modern times, friendships have become increasingly significant due to the
from family members as people relocate for work or personal reasons, creating a need for
emotional support and connection. 1 mark

III. Which skill is NOT mentioned as important for maintaining friendships? 1 mark

22
A. Active listening C. Public Speaking

23
 B. Negotiation D. Questioning
IV. Which of the following best captures the multifaceted role of friendships as described in
the passage? 1 mark
A. Friendships mainly serve as a substitute for family, providing emotional support for
those who live far from home.
B. Friendships primarily exist to offer social capital and networking opportunities that
benefit professional growth.
C. Friendships act as a source of emotional support, facilitate personal growth,
foster cultural understanding, and contribute to social capital.
D. Friendships are essential for individuals who do not have strong family ties,
allowing them to form lasting relationships with people who share similar
backgrounds.

V. How do friendships contribute to personal growth and identity formation? 1 mark

VI. Examine the role of communication skills in the development of friendships. 1 mark
VII. In what ways does friendship contribute to cultural competence? 2 marks
VIII. What can be inferred about the impact of globalization on friendships? 2 marks.
IX. Why do friends play a more significant role today than ever before? 2 marks

2. Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage: 10 marks

1) Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to
experience water shortages, life didn't grind to a halt. Why? Because a retired civil engineer
in the Jammu and Kashmir Government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.

2) Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000–3,500 meters above sea level, has a low
average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water.
Agriculture is completely dependent on glacier melt, unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed
India. But over the years, with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall
patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the
extreme winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.

3) It is located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one closer to the
village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during April-May, the crucial
sowing season. Further, layers of ice above melt with the increasing temperature thus
ensuring continuous supply to the fields. Therefore, farmers have been able to manage two
crops instead of one. It costs about 150,000 and above to create a glacier.

4) Fondly called the glacier man, he has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh
since 1987. The retired man has slogged over 15 years to create an artificial glacier. In
recognition of his pioneering effort, he was conferred the Padma Shri by the President of
India.

5) There are a few basic steps followed while creating an artificial glacier. River or stream
water at high altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter
sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter, i.e., in November, the
diverted water is made to flow on sloping hills facing distribution channels. Stone
24
embankments are

25
 built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools freeze,
forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting
in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an ‘artificial glacier.’

I. What was the primary reason for creating artificial glaciers in Leh? 1 mark

A. To provide tourist attractions

B. To combat water shortages during sowing season
C. To increase snowfall in the region
D. To reduce the altitude of natural glaciers

II. Which of the following describes a key feature of Ladakh's climate? 1 mark

A. High annual rainfall

B. Temperate and humid
C. Low average annual rainfall of about 50 mm
D. Tropical with monsoon winds

III. Explain why the artificial glacier closest to the village is the first to melt. How does this
benefit local farmers? 2 marks

IV. What can you infer about the impact of climate change on traditional water sources in
Ladakh? 2 marks

V. Write the synonym for “crucial” as used in the context of the sowing season? 1 mark

VI. In the context of artificial glaciers, what does “diverted” mean? 1 mark
A. To move in a straight line
B. To change the course or direction
C. To evaporate
D. To shrink in size

VII. What are the strategic benefits and potential challenges of implementing this technology
in other arid and high-altitude regions? 2 marks

SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS ( 22 marks)

3. You are Sailesh. Recently, you celebrated your grandfather's retirement in a grand manner with
all your relatives, friends, and family members. However, one of your cousins could not attend.
Write an email to your cousin detailing the events and highlights of the celebration in about 50
words.
3 marks

You may copy the given template to write your email

From:
To:

26
Date:

27
 Subject:

4. The railway station is a bustling place. Describe the scene you witnessed at the railway
station in not more than 100 words. 4 marks

5.(A) As a concerned student, write a letter to the editor of a national newspaper expressing your
views on the importance of national integration in your country. Discuss the challenges faced in
achieving integration and suggest ways to promote unity and harmony among diverse communities.
Use ideas from the Unit-6 ‘National Integration’ along with your own ideas to write this letter in not
more than 120 words 7 marks

OR
5. (B) Write a letter to the school management requesting the organization of a career
counseling workshop for students. In your letter, explain the benefits of such a workshop,
including how it can help students make informed decisions about their future educational
and career paths. Use ideas from the Unit-2 Education’ along with your own ideas to write this
letter in not more than 120 words. 7 marks

6(A). Write an article, in about 150 words as Gaurav, Grade 10-C advocating for your school
magazine on 'The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining Health and Well-being.'
Use the given clues, along with your own ideas and those you may have gathered from Unit 1 -
‘Health and Medicine’ to create this article. 8 marks

● How balanced nutrition can prevent common health issues such as obesity,
diabetes, and heart disease.
● Connection between diet and mental health, including how certain foods can
affect mood and cognitive function.
● Impact of modern diets like processed foods, on overall health.
● Conclude with suggestions for how students can make healthier food choices
even within a busy lifestyle.

OR

6(B). Write an article in about 150 words as Aditi, Grade 10, on the topic of "Eco-Friendly
Travel: A Sustainable Future." 8 marks

Use the given clues, along with your own ideas and those you may have gathered from Unit 5 -
Travel and Tourism to create this article

● Importance of eco-friendly travel to reduce carbon footprint, minimizing waste, and

supporting local communities.
● Discuss ways to travel sustainably, such as using public transport, reducing plastic use,
and choosing eco-friendly accommodations.
● Offer tips for students on making responsible travel choices.

28
 SECTION -C GRAMMAR (10 MARKS)7. (A) Read the passages given below. Fill in the blanks by
choosing the most appropriate word/phrases from the given options. 3x1=3

Blue is (a) colour of light (b) violet and green on the visible spectrum. Blues
vary c) shade or tint; darker shades of blue contain black and grey while lighter
tints contain white.
Options:

(a) (i) a (ii) the (iii) an iv) this

(b) (i) among (ii) between (iii) in (iv) within

(c) (i) at (ii) on (iii) in (iv) with

7. (B) Complete the dialogue choosing the correct option given below: 4x1=4

Policeman: (a) passing this place a few minutes ago?

You: I'm sorry. I didn’t see anybody. However, two morning-walkers just went this way. By
the way, (b) that makes you so serious?
Policeman: Nothing, two chain-snatchers have escaped in these by lanes.
You: (c) do in this regard? You know, chain-snatching incidents have been
increasing day-by-day
Policeman: You’re right. We (d) help the police in nabbing such anti-social elements.

(a) i. Has there gone some

vehicle ii.Do you see
someone
iii. Do you see
somebody iv.Did you
see someone

(b) i. How is this

ii.Which is the
problem iii.What’s
happened iv.What is
the problem

© i. What can I
ii.What should you
do iii.What should I
do iv.Which can I

(d)i. Expect all people by

ii.Expect all people for
iii.Expect all
concerned iv.Expect
all people to
29
7. (C) In the passage given below, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing
word along with the word that comes before and the word that comes after it, as shown

30
 below. The first one has been done as an example. 3x1=3

Missing
Before After
Word
Ex Chaman belonged to the poorest of the poor. to the forest
a) He and wife were labourers.
b) They were old and weak to work
c) for long hours developed blister on hands

SECTION-D LITERATURE (26 marks)

8. Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for any two excerpts, of the three
given. 2X4=8

(a) I shook my head. A real message from the real Sebastian Shultz. We both knew that by
reliving the accident, something wonderful had happened but then again, now that there
are two advanced intelligences on earth, who can say what is and what isn’t possible?

1. Who is ‘I’ here?

2. Who sent the real message to the narrator?
3. What are the two advanced intelligences on Earth?
4. What emotion does the narrator express by shaking his head

(b) 'Gainst death and all oblivious enmity,

Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room, Even in the eyes of
posterity, That wear this world out to the ending doom.

1. Which kind of enmity is it?

2. What can time do to the material things?
3. How does the poet immortalize his beloved’s memory here?
4. What does the word "posterity" mean in the passage?
i. Fame
ii. Future generations
iii. Destruction
iv. Praise

31
 (c) I am not satisfied but it is the best we can do till out new blacks ready, and Ben and
Elizabeth will never have thought about mourning yet, so we will outshine them there

1. Who is the speaker of the above lines?

2. Why are they getting the blacks ready?
3. How does the speaker hope to outshine ‘them’?
4. Give the synonym for ‘mourning’?

9. Answer any five of the following six questions in about 40 words each. 5x2=10

a. What was Calipurnia’s dream and how was it interpreted by Decius Brutus?
b. Do you think the Nightingale is brainless, give reason for your answer?
c. How did the sailing conditions change after the ship had moved out of the land of Mist
and Snow? What/Who did the mariners blame for this change?
d. What makes Helen, the ghost and her other co-ghosts organize the Writer’s inspiration
Bureau?
e. Describe the first meeting of the narrator with Nikola and Jacopo?
f. What predictions does Anthony make regarding the future events in Rome?

10. Answer any one of the following questions in about 150 words 1x8=8

a. ‘Ozymandias’ and ‘Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monument’ are based on the theme of Time.
Compare the two sonnets in terms of the manner in which Time is treated by the poets.
OR

b. You are Mrs. Packletide. After the tiger episode you come to know the reality about
Ms.Mebbin. Expressing your pain and anger on being used and your trust being shattered,
write your sentiments as a diary entry.
#########################################################################

MODEL SAMPLE PAPER – 13

SECTION A: READING (22 MARKS)

1. Read the following passage: 12 Marks

The internet has transformed the way we live, work and communicates. It has provided people
with access to information, entertainment and social connections like never before. However, the
widespread use of the internet has also brought challenges, especially for younger generations.

Social medial platforms, in particular, have gained immense popularity among teenagers. These
platforms allow users to share pictures, videos and thoughts with their friends and followers.
While this has brought people closer, it has also raised concerns about privacy and mental health.
Many teenagers spend hours on social media, often comparing themselves to others and feeling
inadequate as a result. Studies have shown a direct link between excessive social media usage
and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

32
Cyber bullying is another dark side of the internet. The anonymity provided by online platforms
allow bullies to harass and threaten others without fear of consequences. Many teenagers have
been victims of cyber bullying, which has had devastating effects on their self-esteem and overall
well-being. In some tragic cases, cyber bullying has even led to self-harm or suicide.

While the internet offers a wealth of knowledge, it also contains false or misleading information.
This misinformation can spread quickly and cause confusion or panic. For instance, during the
COVID-19 pandemic, there were numerous rumours and conspiracy theories circulating online
leading to unnecessary fear and anxiety.

Despite these challenges, the internet remains a powerful tool for learning, connecting and
expressing oneself. However, it is essential for users, especially young ones, to be educated about
responsible online behavior. Parents and educators should guide children on how to use the
internet safely, and online platforms should enforce stricter regulations to prevent harmful
content.

1. What has transformed the way we live, work and communicate? 1M

2. Name one benefit of social media platforms mentioned in the passage. 1M

3. Mention one major concern associated with social media for teenagers. 1M

4. What is cyber bullying? 1M

5. What effects does cyber-bullying have on teenager? 1M

6. What challenges related to information does the passage highlight? 1M

7. How did misinformation during COVID-19 pandemic affect people? 1M

8. Find the word from the passage that means:

Feeling of being not good enough (Para 2) 1M

9. How can parents and educators help children use the Internet responsibly? 2M

10. Explain two negative effects of the internet mentioned in the passage. 2M

2. Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: 10M

1) Last summer I boarded a flight from the IGI airport. The airplane waited at the runway in a
queue to take off for one hour, with the engines running. A lot of aviation fuel was wasted. Carbon
dioxide, nitrogen oxide and water vapour were released into the atmosphere.
(2) With the entry of many players in the aviation industry, pollution has reached the skies as well.
With the number of air line flights worldwide growing and expected to skyrocket over the coming
decades, the problem of delayed arrival and departure will intensify.
(3) The inefficiencies in the air and on the ground caused by the system also mean wastage of fuel
and excessive of CO2. No doubt, the air travel industry is coming under scrutiny for its role in
climate change. Though aviation industry contributes only 2% of the total C-emissions. But with
the rapid economic growth and ever-increasing affordability of air travel, this industry will only

33
expand at a much faster pace than ever before, thus increasing the rate of carbon emissions.
(4) Aircraft emission pollutes the air and threatens to become one of the largest contributors of
global warming by 2050. At present, pollution from the aircrafts is less than 3% of the
environmental pollution, but it is believed that aircraft emissions are currently one of the fastest
growing contributors to global warming.
(5) Available and a sustainable solution comes from the next generation jet bio fuels made from
algae or coconuts. Another sustainable alternative would be to put an analog traffic-control system,
which is installed in a few airports around the world.
(6) Next Gen is the FAA’s (Federal Aviation Administration) long term plan to replace the current
U.S. radar-based air – traffic control system with one that operates using satellites and a global
positioning system. Instead of a radar system, that updates the position of planes only as often as
its dish rotates every 12 sec. or so, next Gen will use satellite data to locate planes in real time.
Instead of relying on time consuming voice communication with a control tower, pilots will
instantly know the location, speed and direction of the planes around them. Every minute saved
from a flight plan means fuel saved and carbon emissions averted. And with jet fuel costing about
$ 1.75 per gallon that saves the airlines millions.
(A) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following
statements briefly:
(a) Mention one of the outcomes of the entry of many players in the aviation industry? 1 M
(b) What did the inefficiencies in the air on the ground caused by the system mean? 1M
(c) What does every minute saved from a flight plan means 1M

(d) How is the rate of carbon emissions increasing? 1M

(e) What is FAA’s long-term plan? 2M

(f) Write any two sustainable solutions to reduce the wastage of aviation fuel. 2M
(g) Find the word which means a searching study, inquiry, inspection or examination (para3):
1M
(g) capable of working successfully: 1M
(i) sustainable (ii) viable (iii) install (iv) update
(h) move in a circle round a central position: 1M
(i) rotate (ii) analog (iii) satellite (iv) speed

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 MARKS)

3. You are a student who feels uncomfortable in your current class section due to reasons like
difficulty in concentrating or social dynamics. Write an email to the principal in about 50 words,
requesting a change to a different section, explaining your reasons and any preferences you may
have. 3M

4. Read the hints given below and describe Ratan Naval Tata in about 100 words. 4M

Ratan Naval Tata –an Indian industrialist – philanthropist – Born on 28 December,1937 – parents-
Naval Tata, Sooni Tata- Education- Harvard Business school, Cornwell University – Height1.77 m-
Awards- Padma Vibhushan –Died -9th October,2024

34
5 (a) . You are Rina/Rohan residing in 3-210, Vayuvihar Apartments,Hyderabad. Write a letter to
the Editor of local daily highlighting the importance of ‘cleaning drive’ of the lake near your
locality. Highlight the need for keeping our water bodies clean, ill-effects of garbage dumping
near it and the positive effect on people when they are involved in cleaning and restoring water
bodies. Using ideas from the unit on Environment and your own, write the letter in about
120 words. 7M

OR

(b) You are Jeane/ John, residing in Plot no.304, Kendriya Vihar, Hyderabad.Recently you visited
local restaurant and are very disappointed regarding poor service there. Write a letter of
complaint to the Manager about poor service provided by them in about 120 words. 7M

6 (a) You recently read an article about the rise of child labor in various parts of the world,
especially in developing countries. The article highlighted how poverty and lack of education
force many children into labor instead of attending school. Inspired by this, write an article on the
topic "Child Labour: A Social Evil" for your school magazine in about 150 words. You may use the
following points to frame your article along with your own ideas: 8M

Cues:

- Definition of child labor

- Causes of child labor (poverty, illiteracy, etc.)
- Impact on children's lives (education, health, future)
- Government initiatives and laws to curb child labor
- Role of society in eradicating child labor

OR

(b) You recently watched a documentary about the importance of mental health awareness,
especially among teenagers. Moved by the issue, you decide to write an article for your school
magazine on "Mental Health Among Teenagers" in about 150 words. Use the following points to
frame your article along with your own ideas:

Cues :

- Importance of mental health

- Common mental health challenges faced by teenagers (stress, anxiety, depression)
- Causes (academic pressure, social media, peer pressure)
- Effects on emotional and physical well-being
- Ways to promote mental well-being (seeking help, mindfulness, balanced lifestyle)
- Role of schools, parents, and friends in supporting mental health

Write an informative and insightful article that highlights the significance of addressing mental
health issues among teenagers and encourages open conversations on the topic. 8M

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 M)

7.A Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals (can, could, may, might, must, should, would) 3M

35
Wearing helmets while riding a bike is a safety measure that everyone follow to
avoid injuries. Back in her school days, she solve complex math problems with
ease, but now she finds it a bit challenging. During dinner, she asked politely, " _ you
please pass me the salt?"

7B. The following passage has four errors. Identify the incorrect word in each line and write the
correction alongside. 4 M

The pollution level in the city have (a)

increased rapidly. People should takes (b)

steps to reduce it. We must planting (c)

more trees and use public transport frequently. (d)

7C. Rearrange the following words/phrases to form meaningful sentences. The first one has been
done for you. 3 M

Example: is known / the world / to / many / as / a / wonder / natural / of / medicine.

*The neem is familiar to most people for its medicinal properties.*

1. can help / regularly / exercise / you / improve / your / health.

2. the / in / traditional / has / medicine / been / used / for / centuries / it.

3. the / good / for / has / neem / anti-inflammatory / properties.

SECTION D: LITERATURE – 26 M

8. Read the extracts given below and answer Any two out of three sections questions that follow:

A. Now the nightingale inspired, 4X1=4M

Flushed with confidence, and fired with both art and adoration,

Sang – and was a huge sensation.

Animals for miles around Flocked towards the magic sound,

And the frog with great precision , Counted heads and charged admission.

36
a) What made the nightingale become a huge sensation?

b) What does the phrase, “Flushed with confidence” mean?

c) Which quality of the frog is evident in this extract?

d) Identify the poetic device in the second line of the stanza.

B. CAESAR: And you are come in very happy time, 4X1=4M

To bear my greeting to the senators

And tell them that I will not come to-day:

CALPURNIA: Say he is sick.

a) Whom does Caesar greet in the first line?

i. Brutus

ii. Antony

iii. Decius Brutus

iv. Cassius

b) What message does Caesar want to send to the senators?

i. He will not come to the Senate.

ii. He wants to greet the senators.

iii. He is afraid to move out of the house.

iv. He is sick.

c) What makes Caesar change his mind?

i. He is feeling better.

ii .He wants to rejuvenate Rome and give it new blood.

iii. He is afraid of what the Senators will think of him.

37
iv. The information that the Senators plan to crown him.

d) Why does Calpurnia not want Caesar to go to the Senate?

i. She had a nightmare predicting his death.

ii. She fears a public humiliation.

iii. She believes the Senate will dishonor him.

iv. She wants him to spend time with her at home.

C. A real message from the real Sebastian Shultz. We both knew that by reliving the accident,
something wonderful had happened. But then again, now that there are two advanced
intelligences on Earth, who can say what is and what isn’t possible.’

a) Why is the message called real? Why was it sent?

b) Explain ‘what Reliving the accident’ means.

c) In the above extract who are the two advanced intelligences?

d). something wonderful refers to:

i) their journey through the games

ii) a new friendship between them

iii) the accident

iv) a new game

9. Answer any five out of six questions in about 30-40 words: 5X2=10M

a) What makes the author refrain from killing the snake?

b) Why did Patol Babu walk away before he could be paid for his role?

c) Why did the Ancient Mariner stop and tell his tale to the Wedding Guest?

d) Explain the line “the hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed”.

e) Why were Jacopo and Nicola working hard?

38
f) What genre of stories does Jenkins want the narrator to write? Why?

10. Answer any one out of two questions given below in about 150 words: 8X1=8M

a) “Guilt makes a heavy burden on our mind and soul. It drags us down and makes our life
miserable”. Evaluate and make a reflection about the given lines in connection with the
lesson, ”The Letter”.

OR

b) Abel Merryweather, in “The Dear Departed”, is very upset at the behaviour of his family
members. He expresses his feelings to a close friend in a letter. As Abel, write this letter.

####################################################################

Marking Scheme

1) 1. The internet has transformed the way we live, work and communicate. 1M

2. Social media platforms have brought people closer by allowing them to share pictures, videos and
thoughts with their friends and followers. 1M

3. A major concern is that social media makes teenagers compare themselves to others leading to feeling
of inadequacy. 1M

4. Cyber bullying is the harassment and threatening of individual online often under the cover of
anonymity. 1M

5. Cyber bullying lowers teenager’s self-esteem and overall well-being sometimes leading to self harm or
suicide. 1M

6. The passage highlights the challenges of false or misleading information spreading quickly on the
internet. 1M

7. Misinformation during COVID-19 pandemic caused unnecessary fear and anxiety among people.
1M

8. Inadequate 1M

9. Parents and educators can help children use the internet responsibly by guiding them on safe usage
practices and educating them about responsible online behavior. 2M

10. Two negative effects of the internet are: 2M

i) The link between excessive social media usage and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

ii) Cyber bullying which negatively affects teenagers’ self-esteem and well-being.

39
2. Ans. (a) With the entry of many players in the aviation industry, pollution has reached the sky.
Moreover, the problem of delayed arrival and departure will also intensify. 1M
(b) The inefficiencies in the air and on the ground caused by the system means wastage of fuel and
excessive co2. 1M
(c) Every minute saved from a flight means fuel saved and carbon emission averted. 1M
(d) FAA’s long term plan is to replace the current US radar based on traffic control system with one that
operates using satellites and a global positioning system. 1M

(e)The increase in the rate of carbon emissions is due to rapid economic growth and increase in
affordability of air travel. 2M

(f) a)Next generation jet bio fuels made from algae or coconuts. 2M

b) To put an analog traffic-control system in airports.

(g) (ii) viable 1M
(h) (i) rotate 1M

3. Date 15 April 2024

From satvika123@gmail.com

To principalkvhvf@gmail.com

CC BCC Subject Request for change in section

Dear Sir,

I am Satvika studying in Class XA of your school. I would like to bring to your notice that I got newly
admitted in your school. Somehow I find the students in my section are very loud and I am unable to focus
or concentrate in studies. Moreover my neighbour’s daughter is in B section. If you change my section
from A to B it will enable me to clarify my doubts promptly. Your immediate attention to this matter is
appreciated.

Regards,

Satvika

4. Ratan Naval Tata born on 28th December,1937 in Mumbai. His parents were Naval Tata and Sooni Tata.
He was sent to Harvard business school in 1975 and later he did Bachelors in Architecture from Cornell
University. Ratan Tata, the iconic business leader, exudes confidence and humility. His tall, slender frame
and distinguished gray hair command respect. With a warm smile and piercing brown eyes, he inspires
trust and admiration. As a visionary leader, he transformed Tata Group into a global powerhouse,
demonstrating strategic thinking and courageous decision-making. His commitment to social responsibility
and philanthropy is exemplary, reflecting his values of integrity, excellence, and community welfare." Any
other relevant points.

5. 3 -210, Vayuvihar Apartments,

Hyderabad.

14th October,2024

40
The Editor,

The Times Of India,

Hyderabad-91

Subject: Need for cleaning drive of local lake

Dear Sir,

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of local authorities
that there is an urgent need for cleaning drive of Kapra Lake. In recent years it is observed that the lake
size is shrinking at alarm rate due to callous attitude of locals.

There is an urgent need for keeping our water bodies clean. People are dumping the waste generated in
their houses indiscriminately on the banks of lake. During monsoons it gives foul smell and attracts vectors
like flies and mosquitoes causing diseases like typhoid, cholera, dengue, malaria etc. We need to involve
people to make them feel responsible and to create positive effect on people when they are involved in
cleaning and restoring water bodies.

I request the concerned authorities to initiate the cleanliness drive of local lake involving locals. I hope my
letter will create impact on locals.

Thanking you.

Yours faithfully,

Rina/Rohan

OR

From:
Plot no.304,
Kendriya Vihar,
Hyderabad.

Date: 14th October, 2024.

To,
The Manager,
Dwaraka Restaurant
Sun City,
Hyderabad,
500091.

Subject: Complaint regarding poor service at your restaurant

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my disappointment with the service I received at your restaurant on [Date].
Despite making a reservation, we were made to wait for 30 minutes before being seated. The food took an
additional 45 minutes to arrive, and the order was incorrect

41
I request you to look into this matter and take necessary steps to improve your service.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name]

6. Child Labour: A Social Evil 8M

Child labour is one of the most serious social issues affecting millions of children around the world,
especially in developing countries like India. It refers to the employment of children in various forms of
work that deprive them of their childhood, their right to education, and their health. The main causes of
child labour include extreme poverty, lack of education, and social inequality. Many families rely on their
children to earn a living, leading them to miss out on the opportunity to attend school.

The impact of child labour is devastating. Children involved in labour often suffer from physical and mental
health issues due to poor working conditions. Moreover, without education, they are trapped in a cycle of
poverty, unable to improve their future prospects.

The government has introduced laws and initiatives like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act
to prevent child labour. However, public awareness and collective societal efforts are essential in
eradicating this evil. Educating the masses, offering financial aid to underprivileged families, and ensuring
strict law enforcement are necessary steps to eliminate child labour and protect children’s rights.

By fighting against child labour, we can ensure that every child enjoys the right to education, health, and a
better future.

OR

Mental Health Among Teenagers 8M

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during teenage years, a period filled with
challenges and changes. Many teenagers face mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression due
to academic pressure, social media comparisons, and peer pressure. These challenges, if left unaddressed,
can severely affect their emotional and physical well-being, leading to low self-esteem, poor academic
performance, and even isolation.

It is crucial for teenagers to understand the importance of mental well-being and seek help when needed.
Practices like mindfulness, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and talking openly about feelings can go a long
way in managing mental health. Schools, parents, and friends play a vital role in providing support by
creating an environment where teenagers feel comfortable sharing their concerns without judgment.

Promoting mental health awareness, encouraging counseling, and reducing stigma around mental illness
can help teenagers lead healthier, happier lives. We must remember that taking care of the mind is as
essential as taking care of the body.

Grammar – 10 M

7.A 1. must 2. could 3. Would 3X1= 3M

7 B. Error and Correction Format: 8X1/2= 4M

42
 Error Correction

Have Has

Takes Take

Planting Plant

Use Using

7 C. Rearrange the following words/phrases to form meaningful sentences. 3M

1. Regular exercise can help you improve your health.

2. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

3. The neem has good anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Attempt any two out of three extract based questions: 4X1X2=8M

A .a) The melody and the charm of her song made the nightingale a huge sensation.

b) The phrase 'flushed with confidence' means 'excited with firm trust'.

c) In this extract the frog is portrayed as an opportunist who is shrewd and cunning.

d) Alliteration

B. a) (ii) Decius Brutus

b) (i) He will not come to the Senate.

c) (iv) The information that the Senators plan to a crown him

d)(i.) She had a nightmare predicting his death

C. a)The message is called real because it comes from the actual Sebastian Shultz. It was sent to thank the
narrator for saving him by successfully completing the last game, which allowed Sebastian to escape the
virtual world.

b) "Reliving the accident" refers to the narrator and Sebastian playing through the final game, which was
based on the accident that caused Sebastian to fall into a coma. By going through the same scenario in the
virtual world, they were able to undo the damage and free Sebastian from his virtual confinement.

c) The two advanced intelligences mentioned in the extract are the narrator, Michael, and Sebastian
Shultz. Both have interacted and succeeded in navigating the complex virtual reality games,
demonstrating their advanced problem-solving and survival abilities within the virtual world.

d) ii) a new friendship between them.

9.Attempt any five out of six questions given in about 30-40 words: 5X2=10M

43
a) The first reason can be attributed to the fear for the snake. Second reason was that he felt honoured
that a snake had come to seek his hospitality, as it had come to his water trough.

b) Patol Babu walked away before he could be paid because the payment to be made was paltry when
measured against the intense satisfaction of a small job done with perfection and dedication.

c) The ancient mariner is terribly weighed down under guilt of the sin that he has committed by killing the
benevolent albatross. He is restless and desperate to be relieved of this burden by telling his story to the
wedding guest. It would amount to confessing his sin.

d) The sculptor and Ozymandias survive in the remnants of the statue. The ‘hand’ refers to the sculptor,
whose skilled hand has captured the emotions of the King. He seems to be mocking the king through the
faithful depiction of the cold commanding arrogant nature of the tyrant. The emotions that are seen on
the face were fed by the heart of Ozymandias. They formed the foundation for the sculptor to make his
statue.

e) Jacopo and Nicola were working hard as their sister was suffering from tuberculosis of spine and was
under treatment. They were collecting money for her treatment, to pay hospital bills etc.

f) Jenkins wants the narrator to write ghost stories on supernatural elements because the public likes such
stories and also because he thinks that John is good at writing such stories as his ghosts are very realistic
and scary.

10.Attempt any one out of two questions in about 150 words: 8X1=8M

a) The best way to handle guilt is to take responsibility for your actions. We must commit to making
amends for all the wrong doings. We must always remember that while we take responsibility for our
thoughts and deeds, we are also worthy of forgiveness. Ali in the lesson “THE LETTER” was a ruthless
shikari he never had any sympathy for the birds and animals that he killed. He, in fact, took pleasure
in
seeing his hunting trophies. He never felt guilty but it is possible that the pain and suffering that he had to
face was a result of his acts. We also see that the post office officials were thoughtless and reckless. They
never took pains to understand Ali’s plight. They had no sympathy for him instead they made fun of him.
Lakshmi-Das got five golden guineas from coachman Ali for delivering Miriam’s letter to his grave. It is
evident that after this he was remorseful. He felt guilty for the way he treated Ali.

b) 123 Old Street

Lancashire, UK

14 October 2024

Dear Friend,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I write to you today not with joy but with a heavy heart, for I
have been deeply hurt by the behaviour of my own family. I never imagined that the very people I raised
and cared for would treat me so coldly and selfishly in my old age.

You won’t believe it, but my daughters, Amelia and Elizabeth, have been eyeing my possessions even
before I’m gone! The very day they thought I was dead, they started squabbling over my things, dividing
my belongings as if I were already buried six feet under. It’s heartbreaking to see that their love for me has
been overshadowed by their greed. I had hoped that, in my old age, I would be surrounded by care and
respect, but instead, I am treated like a burden, or worse, a prize to be fought over.
44
What pains me the most is how little they seem to care about my well-being. They were more interested
in claiming my things than in ensuring that I was comfortable or happy. The way they behaved was beyond
selfish—it was heartless. It’s as if I’ve become invisible to them as a person, and all they see is what I have
left for them to inherit.

I have come to realize that I need to take control of my life again. I won’t let them disrespect me like this
anymore. I plan to make changes to how I live and to ensure that my hard-earned possessions don’t fall
into the hands of people who don’t value me. It’s a shame that it has come to this, but I suppose it’s better
to see their true colors now rather than later.

I hope you will understand my feelings, and I thank you for allowing me to share my burdens with you. I
wish for better days ahead, where I can find some peace and dignity in my remaining years.

Take care, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Abel Merryweather.

##################################################################################

SAMPLE PAPER - 14

SECTION A: READING (22 MARKS)

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the question that follows: 12 Marks

In recent years, the concept of sustainable living has gained immense popularity as more people
become aware of the environmental challenges facing our planet. Sustainable living refers to the
practice of reducing one’s environmental impact by making more eco-friendly choices in everyday
life. This can include simple actions like conserving water, reducing energy consumption, and
minimizing waste.

One of the key components of sustainable living is the use of renewable resources. Solar and
wind energy are prime examples of renewable energy sources that are increasingly being
adopted by countries around the world. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute to
environmental pollution, renewable energy sources are cleaner and can be replenished naturally.

Another important aspect of sustainable living is waste management. Recycling and composting
are effective ways to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Many communities have
started implementing waste segregation programs to encourage people to sort their waste into
recyclable and non-recyclable categories. Composting organic waste not only reduces landfill
waste but also produces nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich soil.

In addition to these practices, sustainable living also emphasizes responsible consumption. This
means buying products that are ethically produced and have minimal environmental impact.
Consumers are encouraged to choose products made from recycled materials, avoid single-use
plastics, and support brands that prioritize sustainability in their manufacturing processes.

The shift toward sustainable living is not only beneficial for the environment but also promotes
healthier and more mindful lifestyles. As more individuals and communities embrace sustainable

45
practices, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future for the planet and future
generations.

1. What does the term "sustainable living" mean? 1M

A. Using more fossil fuels

B. Reducing one's environmental impact

C. Increasing energy consumption

D. Using non-renewable resources

2. Which of the following is an example of renewable energy? 1M

A. Coal

B. Oil

C. Solar energy

D. Natural gas

3. What is one of the main differences between fossil fuels and renewable energy? 1M

A. Renewable energy is finite, while fossil fuels are not

B. Fossil fuels do not cause pollution, while renewable energy does

C. Fossil fuels are finite and polluting, while renewable energy is clean and replenishable

D. Renewable energy sources are more harmful to the environment

4. What does composting organic waste help produce? 1M

A. Recyclable plastic

B. Nutrient-rich compost

C. Renewable energy

D. Reusable metal

5. How can consumers contribute to sustainable living? 1M

A. By using single-use plastics

B. By supporting unethical brands

C. By buying products made from recycled materials

D. By using more fossil fuels

6. What is one benefit of waste segregation programs? 1M

46
A. They increase landfill waste

B. They reduce the need for renewable energy

C. They encourage sorting waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories

D. They decrease energy consumption directly

7. According to the passage, which practice contributes to enriching soil? 1M

A. Recycling plastic

B. Composting organic waste

C. Using fossil fuels

D. Storing waste in landfills

8. What is a key goal of sustainable living? 1M

A. To use more fossil fuels

B. To promote waste management only

C. To reduce environmental impact and promote a healthier lifestyle

D. To stop using renewable resources

9. How does responsible consumption play a role in sustainable living? 2M

10. In what ways does the shift toward sustainable living benefit the environment and
individuals? 2M

2. Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: 10M

Mind management is a way to control one’s mind. To do this, we need to be cautious about our
thinking process and also need a high level of understanding and meditation as well.
Understanding is wisdom – 80 percent of people are knowledgeable, while 20 per cent are wise.
Knowledgeable men take sides without reason. They feel sad seeing deprived people but jealous
when they see happy people. They work in the guidance of others’ inspiration , take unnecessary
responsibility to keep themselves disturbed.

A wise person does not stand for or against any idea without concrete reason. He works
according to the situation and capacity. He looks at everything intellectually. To him, failure is a
stepping stone for future success. So, depression and conflict are not seen. Like the phrase ‘Stop,
Look, go’, first one should see, and this needs patience. Meditation is necessary to control and
manage mind which then becomes an easy task.

Unless we control or manage our mind, it is difficult to achieve success and peace. Psychologists
say every interest is first born in the mind as a seed. Then it continues to grow. Later it takes its
real form which everybody can see. The interest that first appears in the mind remains weak for
the first three minutes and it becomes strong within the next five minutes. All the negative
aspects should be deleted within the first three minutes. If not taken out, they would become
stronger
47
later and you can never throw them out. After taking control over the mind, we can control
passion, interest and unrest. Mind management is essential for a peaceful, successful and healthy
life.

The age of computers has thrown us on the escalator of aspirations but has robbed us of simple
charms like falling asleep. The compulsions of hectic schedules burden the mind and cause stress.
However, the joys that elude us can be regained by practising power meditation. It creates
tranquillity, simplifies life and cleanses the mind. It helps control indolence, ego and anger and
builds confidence and patience. With power meditation, negative thoughts get dissipated and a
sense of happiness is achieved.

i) Mind management is essential .............................. 1M

a) for a peaceful, successful, and a healthy life

b) to remain fit

c) for a wealthy life

d) to dominate others

ii) ----- percent of people are knowledgeable and ------- percent are wise. 1M

a) 60; 40

b) 90; 10

c) 80; 20

d) 50; 50

iii) choose the trait of a wise man. 1M

a) feels jealous seeing happy people

b) takes sides without reason

c) works according to the situation

d) takes unnecessary responsibility

iv) The age of computers has robbed us of simple charms of life. True/ False 1M

v) Meditation causes -----

a) simplifies life

b) creates tranquillity

c) cleanses the mind

d) all of these
48
viii) Find the word from the passage which means the same as “based on facts, not on ideas”.
(Para 2) 1M

a) soft

b) concrete

c) different

d) difficult

vii) Mention few things which are under our control. 2M

viii) What are the traits exhibited by knowledgeable people? 2M

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 MARKS)

3. Write an email to the school authorities requesting a change in bus timings due to personal
inconvenience. Include all necessary details and reasons for the request. Your email should be in
the proper format and polite tone include the below given details: 3M

- Subject of the email

- Salutation

- Body of the email explaining your reason

- Conclusion and sign-off

4. Write a factual description of a smart phone which you recently purchased in about 100
words. Use the following clues to help structure your answer: 4M

- Brand and model - Size and weight - Display features (screen size, resolution)

- Battery life - Camera specifications (front and rear) - Storage capacity

- Special features (fingerprint sensor, face recognition, etc.) - Price range etc.

5. (a) You are a resident of 3-245, Narsingi village, Hyderabad and your house falls under the Musi
River Front Development Project. You are shocked by the government's recent decision to
demolish houses in the buffer zone. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner requesting the
government to reconsider this decision and suggesting alternate plans to protect both the
residents and the environment. Write letter in about 120 words. 7M

- Your concern about the demolition of houses - The impact of this decision on the community

- Suggestions for alternative plans that can be implemented - A polite request for reconsideration

OR

49
(b) Ecotourism means responsible travel to natural areas conserving the environment. Imagine
yourself as a member of the Ecotourism Society of India. Taking ideas from the Units-
Environment and Travel and Tourism write a letter to the Ministry of Tourism, mentioning the
ways to propagate Ecotourism by sensitizing people. 7M

6. (a) You recently attended a seminar on "The Importance of Women’s Education" and were
inspired by the discussions. Write an article for your school magazine on the topic "Empowering
Women Through Education." in about 150 words. In your article, highlight the significance of
educating women, its impact on society, and the barriers that still exist in achieving gender
equality in education. Also, suggest measures to improve women’s access to education. 8M

OR

(b) During your recent visit to a well-known tourist place, you were disturbed by the poor
maintenance and environmental damage caused by irresponsible tourism. Write an article for
your school magazine on the topic "The Need for Responsible Tourism." in about 150 words. In
your article, describe the condition of the tourist place, the problems you observed, and suggest
ways in which tourists and authorities can help preserve such sites. 8M

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 M)

7. A.Fill in the blanks with appropriate word given in the brackets: 3X1=3M

While hiking along a narrow path, Emily stumbled upon a glittering necklace. Showing the
necklace to her friends, Emily exclaimed that she (i) ………………………. (found/had found/will
found) something amazing. Carefully examining it, Sarah remarked (ii)............( how/which/that) it
looked precious. Emily wondered how it had ended up (iii)....................(there/here/then).

7 B. The following passage has four errors. Identify the incorrect word in each line and write the
correction alongside. Error Correction 8X1/2=4M

When it comes from nutrients, almonds a) ---------------- ----------------

stand out. This all-in-one nut was stacked b) ---------------- ---------------

with multiple benefits who help in weight c) ----------------- --------------

control and providing essential nutrients. d) ---------------- ---------------

7 C. Report the dialogue between two friends, by completing the sentence:

Rina: Can I borrow your science book for a couple of days?

Mohit: Yes certainly, I have already studied for the test.

Rina asked Mohit (a) for a couple of

days. Mohit agreed and said that (b) .

After receiving the book, Rina thanked Mohit and asked,“Do you have any important notes or key
points marked in the book?

50
Rina thanked Mohit and asked him (c) any important notes or key points
marked in the book.

SECTION D: LITERATURE – 26 M

8. Read the extracts given below and answer Any two out of three sections of questions that follow:
4X1X2=8M

A. ‘Louisa Mebbin adopted a protective elder sister, attitude towards money in general,
irrespective of nationality or denomination.’

i) Who was Lousia Mebbin?

ii) How did she adopt an elder sister attitude towards money?

iii) How did she prove in the end that she was a money minded lady?

iv) What trait of Lousia Mebbin’s is revealed when it comes to money, irrespective of nationality
or denomination?

B. ‘Gains’t death and all oblivious enmity

Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room

Even in the eyes of posterity

That wear this world out to the ending doom.

i) How long will the poet’s friend live?

ii) What poetic device is used in the fourth line?

iii) What does the expression ‘oblivious enmity’ mean here?

iv) What is the poet’s prediction?

C. It ate the food it ne’er had eat

And round and round it flew.

The ice did split with a thunder-fit;

The helmsman steered us through!

51
i) What does 'it' refer to in the line?

ii) Identify the figure of speech used in the second line.

iii) How did the ice split on its own?

iv) What did the helmsman do?

9. Answer any five out of six questions in about 30-40 words: 5X2=10M

a. How was Sebastian Shultz's memory stored on Michael's disk? Did Michael discover that?

b. What makes Helen, the ghost, and her other co-ghosts organize ‘The Writer’s Inspiration
Bureau?

c. Love and grief are inseparable parts of life. When does Ali realize this?

d. How were the boys useful to the author in ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’?

e. Why did the poet feel that he had done a petty act in the poem”Snake”?

f. What are the three things that grandfather plans to do on Monday next?

10. Answer any one out of two questions given below in about 150 words: 8X1=8M

a) No work is small or petty. How has Satyajit Ray exemplified this in his story- ‘Patol Babu’.

OR

b) It was Thomas Jefferson who had opined, “When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes
duty.” Can Antony’s move to instigate the mob be justified based on the given quote? Why/Why
not?

MARKING SCHEME -14

1. 1. B.Reducing one's environmental impact 1M

2. C. Solar energy 1M

3. C. Fossil fuels are finite and polluting, while renewable energy is clean and replenishable 1M

4. B. Nutrient-rich compost 1M

5. C. By buying products made from recycled materials 1M

52
6. C. They encourage sorting waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories 1M

7. B. Composting organic waste 1M

8. C. To reduce environmental impact and promote a healthier lifestyle 1M

9. Responsible consumption plays a role in sustainable living by encouraging consumers to buy

products that are ethically produced and have a minimal environmental impact. This includes
choosing items made from recycled materials, avoiding single-use plastics, and supporting brands
that prioritize sustainability in their processes. 2M

10. The shift toward sustainable living benefits the environment by reducing pollution, conserving
natural resources, and minimizing waste. For individuals, it promotes healthier lifestyles by
encouraging mindful consumption, reducing exposure to harmful materials, and fostering a greater
connection with nature. These practices ensure a more sustainable future for both the planet and
future generations. 2M

2. i). a) peaceful, successful and healthy life 1M

ii) c) 80;20 1M

iii) c) works according to a situation 1M

vi) true 1M

vi) iv)all of these 1M

vii) ii) concrete 1M

vii) We can control passion, unrest and our own interests. 2M

viii) Knowledgeable people take sides without reason, they are sympathetic to the deprived
people and they are jealous of happy people. 2M

3. Date: 15th October, 2024

From: rocksz123@gmail.com

To: principalkv@gmail.com

Subject: Request for Change in Bus Timings

Respected Sir,

I am a student of Class X, Section B. I am writing to request a change in my current bus timings.

Due to certain personal inconveniences, such as early morning commitments at home, I am finding
it difficult to catch the bus at the assigned time. I kindly request your assistance in shifting me to a
bus with a slightly later schedule, if possible.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request and assist me in resolving this issue.

Thank you for your time and support.

53
Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Class X, Section B

[Your Roll Number]

4. The XYZ Smartphone (Model Z20) is a sleek, lightweight device weighing around 170 grams.
It features a 6.5-inch full HD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing crisp and
vibrant visuals. The phone boasts a powerful 5000mAh battery, ensuring long hours of usage
without frequent charging.

For photography enthusiasts, it offers a quad-camera setup on the rear with a 48MP main camera
and a 16MP front camera for stunning selfies. The device comes with 128GB internal storage,
expandable up to 512GB, and is powered by an octa-core processor.

The smart phone includes advanced features like a fingerprint sensor, face recognition, and fast
charging. Priced around ₹15,000, it offers excellent value for its range of features.

5. 3-245, Narsingi Village

Date : 15th October,2024

To

The Municipal Commissioner,

Bandlaguda Jagir,

Hyderabad

Subject: Request to Reconsider Demolition of Houses under Musi River Front Development
Project

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent decision to demolish houses in the
buffer zone of the Musi River Front Development Project, including my own home. This decision
has left many families in our community anxious and distressed, as it threatens our livelihoods and
displaces us from our long-time residences.

Instead of demolition, I urge the government to consider alternative plans such as reinforcing
existing structures and enhancing riverfront management without displacing residents. Initiatives
like creating green spaces or developing recreational areas can serve both the community and the
environment.

I kindly request you to reconsider this decision in light of its impact on our lives.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

54
[Your Name]

[Your Contact Number]

5 (b) Value points- Ecotourism signifies responsible travel to natural areas

- Conserves the environment

- Supports local communities
- Promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature’s wonders
- A necessity to protect our natural heritage for future generations
- Initiatives- educational campaign-collaborating educational institutions
- Incorporating ecotourism awareness programs into curricula
- Conducting workshops, seminars etc
- Social media campaigns
- Community involvement in planning and decision making process

6. (a) Empowering Women Through Education

By XYZ

Education is the most powerful tool for empowering individuals, and it plays a crucial role in
transforming societies. When women are educated, they gain the ability to contribute to their
communities, improve their quality of life, and achieve financial independence. Educating women
leads to the betterment of entire families, as educated women are more likely to prioritize their
children’s education and health.

Unfortunately, even in today's world, many girls and women are deprived of education due to
societal norms, financial constraints, and gender-based discrimination. In rural areas, early
marriages and lack of access to schools further hinder the progress of women’s education.

To overcome these barriers, the government and society must work together to provide better
access to education for women. Building more schools in rural areas, offering scholarships, and
raising awareness about the importance of women’s education can help bridge the gap.
Encouraging families to support girls’ education and ensuring safe transportation to schools are
also important steps.

When women are educated, they become agents of change, contributing to the economy, reducing
poverty, and creating a more equitable and progressive society. The key to a brighter future lies in
empowering women through education.

6(b) The Need for Responsible Tourism

By XYZ

Recently, I visited a famous tourist destination, and while the site itself was magnificent, I was
deeply disturbed by the poor maintenance and environmental damage caused by irresponsible
tourism. Littering, defaced monuments, and overflowing garbage bins were just a few of the issues
that marred the beauty of the place. It was clear that both visitors and local authorities were not
doing enough to protect the site.

Tourist spots are often treated with neglect, with little regard for their historical or
environmental significance. Plastic waste, food wrappers, and other debris left by careless
tourists contribute to

55
pollution, while the lack of proper facilities worsens the situation. This not only harms
the environment but also threatens the preservation of our cultural heritage.

To improve the condition of these places, both tourists and authorities must take responsibility.
Tourists should follow eco-friendly practices, such as disposing of waste properly, avoiding single-
use plastics, and respecting the sanctity of the place. Authorities should enforce strict regulations,
ensure regular maintenance, and create awareness campaigns to promote responsible tourism.

Preserving our tourist sites is crucial for future generations. By practicing responsible tourism, we
can protect these treasures and continue to enjoy them for years to come.

7A. i) had found ii) that iii) there 3M

7B. Error and Correction Format: 8X1/2= 4M

Error Correction
From To
Was Is
Who that
Providing Provides

7C. Rina asked Mohit (a) if she could borrow his science book for a couple of days. 3X1=3M

Mohit agreed and said that (b) he had already studied for the test.

Rina thanked Mohit and asked him (c) if he had any important notes or key points marked in
the book.

8A.1 i)Louisa Mebbin was Mrs. Packletide’s paid companion/hired to accompany her during the
tiger hunt. She was a shrewd and calculating woman who had a deep interest in financial
matters.

ii) by being extremely protective and cautious about its expenditure/ She was always looking
for ways to save or make money and showed concern over any potential wastage, regardless of
the amount or currency involved.

iii) Louisa Mebbin proved to be a money-minded lady when she blackmailed Mrs. Packletide
about the fact that the tiger had not died from her shot but from a heart attack. She used this
information to her advantage, demanding money in exchange for her silence, which she later
used to buy a cottage.

iv) Louisa Mebbin’s trait of extreme greed and cunning is revealed when it comes to money/
Her calculating nature shows that she values financial gain/ she is willing to manipulate
situations for her own benefit.

8B. i) The poet’s friend will live forever, as long as people read about him through the poet’s
verse. His memory will be preserved for all time, even beyond death.

ii) The poetic device used in the fourth line is hyperbole. The phrase exaggerates the endurance of
the poet's praise and the lasting impact of the poem, suggesting it will last until the end of time (the
final judgment).

56
iii) The expression "oblivious enmity" refers to the inevitable forces of time and death that cause
people and things to be forgotten. However, the poet suggests that his friend will be protected from
being forgotten or erased by these forces.

iv)The poet predicts that his friend’s legacy will live on forever, as the poem will preserve
his memory and praise him in the eyes of future generations, enduring until the end of the
world.

8C) i) 'It' refers to the albatross.

ii) Repetition.

iii) The arrival of the albatross brought good luck to the mariners and caused the ice to split on its
own.

iv)The helmsman steered the ship free from the iceberg where it was stuck earlier.

9.1. At the time of the accident, Sebastian was plugged into the computer. The computer had saved
his memory on its own. When Sebastian’s family was in the hospital, somebody stole their whole
lot of games. Some of them ended up at the Computer Fair, where they were bought by Michael.
Yes, Michael discovered it. But it was only when he read an article on the internet about
Sebastian’s miraculous discovery.

2. When Helen was alive, she used to write and later on she became a reader in a magazine. She
recollects those days as the most terrible ones as they used to read horribly put down stories. When
she became a ghost after her death, she planned to do something for all those who have suffered in
the same way. It was the inspiration that led her and her co-ghosts to organize” The Writer’s
Inspiration Bureau’.

3. Love and grief are inseparable parts of one’s life. Ali realizes this when his daughter leaves
him. She got married and went off with a soldier to his regiment in Punjab. He becomes lonely. He
realizes the pain of separation. He also realizes the essence of love.

4. The two boys helped the narrator by arranging seats for the opera, providing a pack of
American cigarettes, taking them around Juliet’s Tomb. Whenever they wanted the name of a
good restaurant, they used to help them.

5. The poet experienced a conflict between two contrasting thoughts. Ultimately, the voice of his
accursed human education prevailed, leading him to throw a clumsy log at the snake without any
provocation. As a result, he repented for his actions. Recognizing that the snake, as a creature of
God, had every right to the water, a natural resource, the poet felt that his rational thought—
shaped by his education—had overpowered his human instinct. This led him to commit the petty
act of attempting to harm an innocent creature.

6. The grandfather Abel Merryweather plans to do the following three things on the coming
Monday. He expresses his intention to visit his lawyer to make changes to his will, indicating that
he no longer wants to leave anything to his ungrateful daughters. Grandfather announces his plan
to marry Mrs. John Shorrocks, the landlady of The Ring-o’-Bells, as he believes she will take care
of him better than his family. He plans to leave his daughters’ house and go live with Mrs.
Shorrocks after getting married, as he feels unwelcome and poorly treated by his own family.

10. a) In Satyajit Ray's story "Patol Babu, Film Star", the idea that "no work is small or petty" is
exemplified through the character of Patol Babu, a middle-aged man who once had dreams of
being an actor but is now offered a minor role in a film. Initially, Patol Babu is disappointed
57
when

58
he learns that his part involves uttering just one word, “Oh!”. He feels humiliated, thinking it is an
insignificant role.

However, after reflecting on the advice of his mentor, who taught him that every small role should
be performed with dedication, Patol Babu decides to give his best performance. He practices his
expression, voice modulation, and timing meticulously, pouring his heart into the single word he is
assigned. In doing so, Patol Babu realizes that the importance of work lies not in its size but in the
passion and effort put into it.

Ray uses Patol Babu’s story to illustrate that true satisfaction comes from taking pride in one's
work, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Any other relevant points to be accepted.

b) Antony’s move to instigate the mob in William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" can be justified
based on Thomas Jefferson's quote, "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty." Antony
believes that Caesar's assassination was an act of tyranny committed by the conspirators, who
betrayed their leader under the guise of saving Rome from dictatorship. Antony, who was loyal to
Caesar, views Brutus and the other conspirators as having committed an unjust act by killing a
popular and capable leader who had the support of the people.

Antony’s stirring speech, which cleverly manipulates the emotions of the Roman citizens, can be
seen as an act of rebellion against the conspirators’ tyranny. He does not openly accuse them of
wrongdoing but subtly turns public sentiment against them by highlighting Caesar's virtues and
the conspirators' betrayal. In this context, Antony’s actions align with Jefferson’s idea that when
those in power commit an injustice, it becomes a moral duty to resist and rebel. Therefore,
Antony's instigation of the mob can be seen as a justified response to what he perceives as
tyranny. Any other relevant points can be accepted as answer.

SAMPLE PAPRER - 15

SECTION A: READING (22 marks)

1. Read the following passage 12M

Driving etiquette is a civilized driving behavior, comprising observance of rules and propriety.
Certain statutory obligations have to be observed. While driving a vehicle, it is absolutely
essential that all documents connected with the ownership of the vehicle, driving license,
pollution - free certificate in original etc. are kept in the car. They have to be produced on
demand by the competent authority. When a person driving a vehicle is still a learner, an 'L'
broad should be prominently displayed.

To caution pedestrians or a slow-moving vehicle in front of us, sounding the horn is essential. We
are bound to do it legally as well but we should not honk unnecessarily, creating sound pollution.

Basic human dignity is more important than strict observance of rules. At crossroads, those who
come from our right always have precedence. We should give hand signals for those who follow
us, particularly when we slow down, take a sudden turn or overtake a vehicle. Never overtake a
vehicle from the wrong side even if there is space. When another driver makes a mistake, try to
correct him if time permits, instead of abusing him or threatening him with dire consequences.
When you make a mistake, admit it gracefully and apologize for it if possible. When we cause an
accident, instead of escaping we should find out from the victim whether we caused any injury
and
59
whether any medical assistance is required. If necessary, we should take the injured person to
the hospital and inform the police.

The sign of good driving is to create a feeling of safety among other passengers. Abrupt braking,
smoking or speaking over the mobile phone makes them insecure. Drunken driving is illegal and
immoral. Under the influence of liquor, the driver does not know what he is doing. When you
stop at a traffic signal, stop the engine as otherwise it leads to atmospheric pollution.

Powerful lights cause harm to those who come from the opposite side. Dipping and dimming
lights should be a habit with us. Similarly, playing the music system at high volume is irritating to
others. We must be sensitive to others' needs. Keeping to our lane is not only convenient and
safe for us but is also a legal compulsion. Finally, politeness on the roads does not cost us
anything, it only makes driving a pleasure. So let us all be polite even as we observe the rules of
the road.

A. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in about 30-
40 words each. (2 X 4 = 8)

(i) What is driving etiquette?

(ii) Write some examples of etiquette to be followed while driving.

(iii) What is the sign of good driving?

(iv) Which documents should be kept in the vehicle while driving?

B. Tick the correct option: (1 X 4 =4)

(i) Find a word from para 1 which is a synonym of ‘protocol'.

(a) Etiquette (b) Competent (c) Obligations (d) Behavior

(ii) Find a word from the passage which is synonym of ‘mandatory’.

(a) Essential (b) Possible (c) Statutory (d) Inform

(iii) Find a word from para 1 which is the synonym of ‘concerned’.

(a) Insecure (b) Competent (c) Immoral (d) Legal

(iv) Find a word from the passage which means ‘sudden and unexpected’.

(a) Abrupt (b) Essential (c) Injury (d) Assistance

2. Read the following report. 10M

SPEEDING UP INDIA’S JOURNEY BY BULLET TRAINS

By: Vijay Kumar Dutt

Indian Railways High speed in Indian Railways is at present limited to 150 KMPH. However, in
many other countries the speed of Railways is of the order of 200 KM per hour (KMPH). In France,
Japan, Germany, China, Spain and South Korea high speed traction above 280 KMPH has been
60
introduced.

61
India and Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 12th December, 2015 on
cooperation and assistance in the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (HSR) Project referred to
by many as ‘Bullet Train Project’. Japan has offered assistance of over Rs. 79,000 crores for the
project. The loan is for a period of 50 years with a moratorium of 15 years, at an interest rate of
0.1 per cent.

The project is a 508-kilometre Railway line costing a total of Rs. 97,636 crores, to be implemented
in a period of seven years. It has been agreed that for the Mumbai – Ahmedabad HSR Project.
Japan’s Shinkansen Technology, known for its speed’s reliability and safety, will be adopted.
Transfer of technology and “Make in India” will be essential part of this assistance package. Japan
will also assist India in training of personnel for HSR.’ The two countries have also entered into
two comprehensive technological cooperation agreements on 11th December 2015, for
modernization and up gradation of Indian railways. These agreements have been signed during
the official visit to India of His Excellency Mr. Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, during
December 11-13, 2015.

On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the questions:

i. Name the countries where high speed traction above 280 KMPH has been introduced. (1)

ii. Which project is known as “Bullet Train Project”? (2)

iii. How much time and money are estimated for the Project? (1)

iv. Which technology will be adopted for the Project? (1)

v. What agreements were signed during 11th December to 13th December2015? (1)

vi. What is Shinkansen Technology famous for? (1)

vii. How has Japan assisted India financially for the Project? (2)

viii. In paragraph No. 2 the synonym of ‘essential’ is: (1)

(a) unwanted (b) inessential (c) unnecessary (d) fundamental

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

3. You are a Class 10 student at Kendriya Vidyalaya-2, Uppal. Write an email to the Principal
requesting a change of subject from English Language and Literature to Communicative English.
Give reasons for your request. (3)

You may copy the given template to write your email.

From:

To:

Cc:

Date:

62
 Subject

4. Read the hints given below and complete the following description of Agastya’s grandmother in
not more than a 100 words. (4)

Surajmukhi Devi – 72 years old, grey hair, brown eyes, sweet voice – lost her husband at the age
of 39 – 5 children, 8 grandchildren – keeps unwell, but has a very strong nature, lively – we enjoy
listening to her stories/experiences/singing – generation gap but shares bond – best friend.

5. Attempt any one of the two in about 120 words: (7)

A. You observe that most of your classmates bring fast food items as part of their school tiffin and
even some of them regularly suffer from one disease or other but they keep on bringing fast
food. You wish to make parents of such children aware of the harms of the fast food and so you
decide to write a letter to the Editor of a news daily. On the basis of your own understanding of
the problem, write the letter as Malvika Ojha.

B. Trees along the road were being cut as a part of widening of roads. Suresh is shocked at this
and intends to write a letter to the Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation regarding this.
Using ideas from the unit on Environment and own ideas, write the letter for Suresh. Also give
suggestions how such situations could be avoided.

6. Attempt any one of the two in about 150 words: (8)

A. Imagine you are a student named Prabha of Class X, tasked with writing an article about how
modern advancements and developments in various therapies have improved our living
conditions. As Prabha, write an article in about 150 words. Use the given cues, along with your
own ideas.

 Every day, in the field of medical science there is an advancement.

 Growing awareness about lifestyle disorders.

 Absence of stress helps in keeping good health.

 Yoga and laughter therapies.

B. Owning a car has become a status symbol these days. However, increase in the number of cars
has added to various types of pollution and other problems. Write an article highlighting the
urgent need for reducing these man- made problems, giving suitable suggestions. You are
Vinod/Vidhi.

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)

7. Complete the tasks (A) to (C), as directed

63
64
A. Fill the blanks (a) - (c) with the appropriate option from those in the brackets. (3x1=3)

Every employee needs to consider himself as a part of a team for business to function smoothly.
If one (a) (wants/ had wanted/ wanted) to become a team player, one needs to give
the highest priority (b) (on/ for/ to) one's team. Learn to give credit instead of
taking
(c) (it/ that/ this). Team spirit is highly important.

B. In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheets,

remember to write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it, as
shown

below. The first one has been done as an example. (4x1=4)

No. Text Word before Omission Word after

1 Dolphins are well known for agility and playful for their agility
behaviour.

2 It makes them a favourite many wildlife watchers.

3 These species will leap out of the water rise vertically out

4 of the it view their surroundings and follow ships,

5 often synchronizing their movements one another.

C. Do as directed. (3)

a) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given information to create a

meaningful sentence. (1)

FAMILY/ BORN/ A/ JOHN KEATS WAS/ IN/ HUMBLE/ POOR/ AND/ A

b) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows. (2)

Neha: I’m really looking forward to the class picnic tomorrow.

Namita: Yes, after a long time we will be meeting our friends and teachers.

Neha told Namita (1) . Namita agreed that after a long

time (2) friends and teachers.

SECTION D- LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)

8. Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for any two excerpts, of the three,
given. (2x4=8)

A. The post office, one of the most uninteresting buildings in the world, became his place of
pilgrimage. He always occupied a particular seat in a particular corner of the building and
when the people got to know his habit, they laughed at him. The postmen began to make a
65
game of

66
 him. Even though there was no letter for him they would call out his name for the fun of
seeing him jump up and come to the door. Still with boundless faith and infinite patience, he
came every day, and went away empty-handed.

a) Identify any two characteristics of the postmen that are revealed via their behaviour towards

Ali.

b) Give one reason why the writer to the post office as “One of the most uninteresting buildings

in the world.”

c) Choose the option that refers the post office as Ali’s “place of pilgrimage”?

i. He visited it daily.

ii. He came there to pray for a letter from his daughter.

iii. He went there with hope and faith.

iv. He believed God would bless him if he went there.

d) Identify two words from the extract that imply ‘without limits.’

B. ‘‘Are we pinching it before Aunt Elizabeth comes?”

a) Mention two reasons that Mrs. Slater gives for her action.

b) Choose the option that gives the correct meaning of the word ‘pinching’, as used in the above
lines.

i. Generous ii. Bounteous iii. Charitable iv. Stealing

c) Choose the option that correctly classifies the genre of the drama from the given extract.

i. Tragedy ii. Tragi-comedy iii. Comedy iv. Melodrama

d) The character of Victoria is a stark contrast to that of her parents. Justify.

C. I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions.

Whatever I see I swallow immediately

Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike.

a) Who does I refer to here?

b) What does the poet mean when she says the mirror has no preconceptions?

c) Which figure of speech is used in ‘I Swallow’.

d) Why has the mirror been depicted as ‘unmisted’?

9. Answer any five of the following six questions in about 40 words each. (5x2=10)

67
 i. Justify the title ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’?

ii. What does the mention of the thumbnail pack of patience cards tell us about
Mrs.Packletide and the tiger- hunt?

iii. “The Nightingale was responsible for her own fate” Elucidate.

iv. Why had Nishikanto Ghosh come to Patol Babu’s house?

v. In the story, virtually true, Michael said, “That’s what I like about computers. The more
futuristic they get the better you can understand the past.” Explain what he meant.

vi. What message does the poet wish to convey through his poem “Not Marble, nor the
Gilded Monuments”?

10 Answer any one of the following two questions in about 150 words.(1x8=8)

I. ‘Pride goes before a fall.’ Justify the statement on basis of the chapter Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger.
II. Mark Antony in ‘Julius Caesar’ says, ‘Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot, take thou what
course thou wilt!’ How was Antony successful in instigating the people of Rome against the
conspirators? Write your answer in about 150 words.

########################################### ####################

ANSWER SCHEME -5

SECTION A: READING (22 marks)

1 Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 1
2
I Driving etiquette is a civilized vehicle driving behavior comprising 2
observance of rules and propriety. Certain statutory obligations need to be
observed while driving a vehicle.
II Some etiquettes to be followed while driving are - (a) At crossroads, those 2
who come from our right should always have precedence. (b) We should
give hand signals for those who follow us, particularly when we slow down,
take a sudden turn or overtake a vehicle. (c) When another driver makes a
mistake, try to correct him if time permits, instead of abusing him.
III The sign of good driving is to create a feeling of safety among the other 2
passengers.
Abrupt braking, smoking or speaking over the mobile phone makes them
insecure.
IV While driving a vehicle, the important documents to be kept inside are your 2
driving license, pollution free certificate in original and any other
documents connected with the ownership of the vehicle.
V (a)Etiquette 1
VI (c)Statutory 1
VII (b)Competent 1
VIII (a) Abrupt 1

2 Answer the following questions, based on the report above. 1

0

68
 i. High speed traction above 280 KMPH has been introduced in France, Japan, 1
Germany, China, Spain and South Korea.
ii. The MoU signed between India and Japan on cooperation and assistance in 2
the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (HSR) Project is known as “Bullet
Train Project”
iii. The time of seven years and an amount of about Rs 97,636 crore is 1
estimated for the project.
iv. The agreements signed during 11th December to 13th December 2015 1
were
modernization and upgradation of Indian railways.
v. Shinkansen Technology is famous for its speed’s reliability and safety. 1
vi. Performing aerial photography and obstacle course navigation 1
vii. Japan has offered assistance of over Rs. 79,000 crores for the project. The 2
loan is for a period of 50 years with a moratorium of 15 years, at an
interest rate of 0.1 per cent.
viii. The word is ‘fundamental’. 1

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

Note: All names and addresses of places and organisations used, are fictitious.
3 Suggested response:
from: raman77@gmail.com
to: principal.kv2uppal@gmail.com 3
Cc:
date: February 20, 2024, 05:10 PM
subject: Request for Change of English Subject in Class 10
Dear Sir

I am currently in Class 10 at Kendriya Vidyalaya 2, Uppal. Having previously studied

English Language and Literature at my former school, I seek to transition smoothly
by switching to Communicative English here. Kindly guide me through the steps
required for this change.

Regards
Raman

4 Suggested response sample:

Surajmukhi Devi, a spirited 72-year-old with grey hair and brown eyes, has a sweet voice that
brings warmth to any conversation. Widowed at 39, she raised five children on her own and
now delights in her eight grandchildren. Despite frequent illnesses, her resilient and lively
nature shines through. She captivates us with stories and songs from her life, bridging the 4
generation gap and cementing a deep bond with all of us. To everyone in the family, she is
much more than a grandmother; she is a best friend whose strength and love are the backbone
of our family.

69
5A Suggested response points, of which some need to be reflected in theresponse:

(OR 7
) (Sender’s address)

5B
(Date)

(Address of the addressee)

Sir/Madam

Sub: .

[Content / Body of the letter in 3 or 4 paragraphs]

Para 1 - INTRODUCTION - the reason for writing the letter / main idea / problem
Para 2 - ELABORATION - WHAT is it?? Elaborate on it - HOW it helps / affects?? /
Problem and its causes and effects.
Para 3 - CONCLUSION - Suggestions / Remedies (minimum 2)

Yours sincerely / truly*

Sender’s Sign
[SENDER’S NAME]
6A HEADLINE – (Give A Suitable Headline)

(OR - BYLINE (Write Author’s Name)

) PARA 1- Introduction

6B PARA 2- Main Body (Provide Information About the Topic)

8
PARA 3- Reasons For the Problem
PARA 4- Conclusion Providing Suggestions and Solutions
SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)

70
7A (a) wants 3x1=3
(b) to
(c) it

7B Word before Omission Word after 4x

1=4
favourite of many

water and rise

it to view

7C movements with one

3x1=
3

a) John Keats was/ born/ in/ a/ poor/ and/ a/ humble/ family

b) (1) that she was really looking forward to the class picnic the next day.
(2) they would be meeting their
SECTION D: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)
8 Attempt any two extracts 2x4=8
A a) their hard- heartedness towards Ali/tendency to make fun of the people and
humiliating people (any other relevant answer)
b) because of lack of humanism and sympathy among the post office officials
towards the people going to it.
c) iii. He went there with hope and faith.
d) boundless and infinite.
B a) She always wanted to have the bureau after he died. / She wants to avoid the hard
bargain that Mrs. Jordan may put out.
b) iv. Stealing
c) iv. Melodrama
d) Victoria shows her real character of humanism and real worth of being highly
virtuous. She taunts her mother when she is removing her grandfather’s things
clandestinely. This adds more to her virtues and exposure to her mother’s mean
nature.
C a) In the above passage, “I” is the mirror
b) The mirror can rightly claim to have no preconception because it gives the exact
reflection of the object before it.

71
 c) personification
d) A misted mirror cannot give the exact image of the object before it and the mirror is
not affected by love or dislike or any other human emotions. It gives a proper and
exact image, and it is trying to convey that its nature is not biased or prejudiced.
9 Answer any five of the following six questions in about 40 words each. 5x2=1
0
i The two boys behaved in a gentlemanly way in the story. They were kind and caring towards their
sister and very polite towards others. They never wanted to exploit other’s pity or kindness to
achieve their end. War did not spoil their gentle nature. Hence, the title ‘Two Gentlemen of
Verona’
is justified.
ii The card represents Mrs. Packletide's superficial engagement with the sport. She takes the hunt
in a very light -hearted manner and ensures that she is free from any kind of risk by taking into
confidence the villagers who in turn gets her an easy prey, an old tiger.

iii The innocent nightingale fell prey to the frog’s criticism about her singing. The nightingale had
no confidence in her own ability and she accepted the frog’s offer to train her. The frog easily
exploited the nightingale's submissive nature. He also criticized her for not singing well and
made her practice round the clock which led to her death. The nightingale, though polite was
timid and scared. She lacked self-confidence which made it easy for the frog to rob her of her
happiness and talent. The nightingale's simplicity and innocence were killed by the shrewd and
crafty ways of
the evil frog.
iv Nishanth Ghosh met his brother-in-law, Mr Naresh Dutta at a Chemist’s shop. He was working in
a film and was in need of a person who could play the role of a pedestrian. Whatsoever
description of the character he had given matched Patel Babe. So Nishanth Ghosh came to Patel
Babe to intimate him that his brother- in-law would come to him with that offer.

v Michael is expressing his enthusiasm for the capabilities of modern technology such as computers
to help him experience and understand historical events and settings in a better way. He is
suggesting that as technology advances and becomes more futuristic, it can allow people to have
more vivid and realistic experiences that bring the past to life. This could include using virtual
reality technology to explore historical sites or playing games that stimulate historical events.

72
vi The poem conveys the message that the great and noble souls leave an indelible impact on their
fellow beings and are remembered for a long time. The poet feels that his poem will outlive
ravages of time. According to him, the marble and the stone monuments fail to immortalize the
rich and the powerful. He claims that his poem will live longer than any man-made monuments.

10 Answer any one of the following two questions in about 150 words. 1x8=8
I Mrs. Packletide was a jealous and materialistic lady - portrayed as envious and vain - the
statement fits on her character - belongs to upper class society - show off and consequently
become subjects of mockery - wanted to overshadow Loona Bimberton - decided to kill a tiger
just to satisfy her vanity - offered thousand rupees to the villagers to arrange the shooting of a
tiger where less risk or exertion is arranged - villagers readily agreed to help her. The night
arrived when the killing was to be done. A goat was tethered to a tree to act as a bait - waited
for some time and then saw a tiger approaching the goat. Mrs. Packletide aimed at him and
fired. Both the goat and the tiger fell down. Miss Mebbin noticed that the mortal wound was on
the goat and the tiger had died of heart failure. Mrs. Packletide got the point. She realised that
she had to do something so that Miss Mebbin didnt give her away. She bought her a weekend
cottage at Darking. She had to face financial losses and, in the end, gave up hunting. It was only
her pride to show others her superiority that led to financial loss. Thus, the statement pride goes
before a fall
is justified.
II Mark Antony's success in instigating the people of Rome against the conspirators stems from his
astute understanding of human psychology and his skillful use of rhetoric. In the quoted lines,
Antony acknowledges the power of mischief and chaos to achieve his desired outcome,
indicating his willingness to let events unfold unpredictably. Throughout his speech, Antony
strategically appeals to the emotions of the crowd, exploiting their love for Caesar and their
growing resentment towards the conspirators. He skillfully uses vivid imagery and repetition to
evoke sympathy for Caesar and outrage against his murderers. By highlighting Caesar's positive
qualities and portraying him as a martyr for the people, Antony stirs up feelings of loyalty and
indignation among the crowd. Additionally, Antony's clever manipulation of Brutus's own words
further undermines the conspirators' credibility. Ultimately, Antony's calculated rhetoric incites
the crowd to riot against the conspirators, demonstrating the power of persuasive speech in
influencing public opinion and inciting action.

SAMPLE PAPER – 16

73
 SECTION A: READING (22 marks)

1. Read the following passage 12M

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of
the 21st century, revolutionizing various aspects of our lives from healthcare to
transportation, finance to entertainment. At its core, AI refers to the simulation of human
intelligence processes by machines, encompassing activities such as learning, reasoning,
and problem-solving.

2. One of the most significant impacts of AI lies in its ability to augment human capabilities
across diverse domains. In healthcare, AI-powered diagnostic tools can analyze medical
images with remarkable accuracy, aiding clinicians in early disease detection and
treatment planning. Similarly, in finance, AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to
identify trends and patterns, informing investment decisions and risk management
strategies. Moreover, in education, personalized learning platforms leverage AI to tailor
educational content to individual students' needs, enhancing learning outcomes.

3. However, alongside its transformative potential, AI also raises ethical and societal
concerns. One pressing issue is job displacement due to automation. As AI technologies
automate routine tasks, there's a growing concern about the future of work and the
potential widening of socioeconomic inequalities. Addressing these challenges requires
proactive efforts to retrain and upskill the workforce, ensuring that individuals can adapt
to the changing labor market dynamics.

4. Furthermore, the ethical implications of AI extend beyond employment to issues such as

bias and privacy. AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they're trained on, raising
concerns about algorithmic fairness and discrimination. Moreover, the widespread
collection and analysis of personal data by AI systems raise privacy concerns, necessitating
robust regulations and frameworks to safeguard individuals' rights.

5. In addition to ethical considerations, the rapid advancement of AI also poses existential

risks. As AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, questions about control and
autonomy arise. Ensuring that AI remains aligned with human values and goals is crucial
to prevent unintended consequences or the emergence of super intelligent systems
beyond human control.

6. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI are vast, provided that it's
developed and deployed responsibly. Collaborative efforts between policymakers,
technologists, and ethicists are essential to establish guidelines and regulations that
promote the ethical and responsible development of AI.

7. In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence holds immense promise to transform society

positively, empowering individuals and organizations to tackle complex challenges.
However, realizing this potential requires navigating ethical dilemmas, addressing
societal concerns, and
74
 ensuring that AI remains aligned with human values. By fostering collaboration and
innovation, we can harness the power of AI to create a more prosperous and equitable
future for all.

On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in about 30-40
words each.

1. What is the primary definition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the passage? (1)

a) The simulation of human emotions by machines

b) The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines

c) The creation of robots that can think for themselves

d) The development of advanced computer hardware

2. Describe the use of AI in various domains. (2)

3. Which ethical concern is NOT mentioned in the passage regarding AI? (1)

a) Job displacement b) Bias in algorithms c) Data privacy d) Climate change

4. What is one suggested solution to address job displacement due to AI? (1)

a) Implementing stricter regulations on AI development

b) Ignoring the issue and letting the market adjust naturally

c) Retraining and upskilling the workforce

d) Banning AI technology altogether

5. How can society proactively address job displacement caused by AI automation to prevent
widening socio-economic inequalities, and what role do re-training and upskilling play in this
process? (2)

6. Which term best describes the overall tone of the passage towards AI? (1)

a) Optimistic b) Pessimistic c) Neutral d) Critical

7. What does the passage suggest is necessary to prevent unintended consequences of AI? (1)

a) Halting all AI research and development

b) Establishing guidelines and regulations

c) Promoting AI without considering ethical implications

d) Outsourcing AI development to other countries

75
8. Which statement best summarizes the passage's stance on the potential benefits of AI? (1)

a) AI has no potential benefits and should be avoided.

b) The potential benefits of AI are vast, but they come with significant risks.

c) AI has the potential to solve all societal problems effortlessly.

d) AI benefits are limited and not worth pursuing.

9. What does the passage suggest about the role of collaboration in AI development? (1)

a) Collaboration is unnecessary and hinders progress.

b) Collaboration is essential for responsible AI development.

c) Collaboration only benefits large corporations.

d) Collaboration is too complex to achieve effectively.

10. What is the main message conveyed by the passage? (1M)

a) AI is perfect and has no flaws.

b) AI is a threat to humanity and should be stopped.

c) AI has the potential for significant benefits but requires ethical and responsible development.

d) AI development should be left entirely to technologists without any regulation or oversight.

2. Read the following passage. 10M

1. Access to primary education is a basic right of every child. An effective primary education
can build a solid foundation and open avenues for future success. With its profound
implications on both the individual and society, primary education plays a crucial role in
reducing extreme poverty and promoting social changes. The Sustainable Development
Agenda acknowledges the importance of primary education in Goal 4 which stipulates
that by 2030, the world should ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and
promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, including a target on universal access to
primary education. Though there are varying standards, primary education is typically
designed for children 6 to 11 years of age.

2. Significant progress has been made toward achieving universal primary education.
Globally, the adjusted net attendance rate reached 87 percent in 2019 and about four out
of five children attending primary education completed it. Additionally, over the past two
decades, the number of out-of-school children was reduced by over 40 percent. However,
there is still a long way to go: 58 million children of primary school age remain out of
school, with the majority of them coming from marginalised groups. In addition, recent
Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) results show that many children do not have
foundational reading and numeracy skills, highlighting the massive challenge to achieving
inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

76
 3. Globally, a lower proportion of children from the poorest families attend primary
education compared with their wealthier peers. While almost all children from the top
wealth quintile attend primary education, only 75 percent of children from the bottom
wealth quintile do.

4. Across different regions, household wealth impacts primary school completion rates
differently. West and Central Africa has the largest gap of 58 percentage points in primary
school completion rates between the richest and poorest quintiles. In contrast, in East
Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean, children from the top and
bottom wealth quintiles complete primary school at more similar rates, with a gap of just
13 percentage points.

5. In the past 20 years, the number of out-of-school children of primary education age fell by
more than 40 per cent, from 99 million in 2000 to 58 million in 2019. However, 54 per
cent of these out-of-school children were girls. Despite this tremendous progress, the
world must accelerate the pace at which the number of out-of-school children is reduced,
as the total has remained stagnant since 2007.

On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in about 30-40
words each.

i. Complete the following sentence appropriately. (1)

“ have the highest rates of primary education completion in the rich quintile.”

ii. Fill the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets, based on your
understanding of the passage: (1)

There was a decline of _ (from 99 million in 2000 to 58 million in 2019 / from 99 million in
2000 to 68 million in 2019) in the number of out-of-school children of primary education age is
seen in the past two decades.

iii. How is primary education critical to both an individual and a society? (2)

iv. State one target related to primary education. (1)

v. How much decline in the number of out-of-school children of primary education age is
seen in the past two decades? (1)

vi. Which word can substitute the word ‘Foundational’ in the following, sentence from
paragraph 2.

“In addition, recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) results show that many children do
not have foundational reading and numeracy skills, highlighting the massive challenge to
achieving inclusive and equitable quality education for all.” (1)

(a) Essential (b) Fundamental (c) Required (d) Primary

vii. How does the Sustainable Development Goals give importance to primary education? (2)

77
viii. In 2019, about four out of five children attending primary education completed it suggests
that...........(1)

(a) almost 100% children completed primary education

(b) about 80% children completed the primary education

(c) more than 80% children completed primary education

(d) less than 80% children completed primary education

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

3. Draft an E-mail for your friend informing him that you are reaching his city by train at about 9.30
p.m. You are a newcomer to his city and he has to come to receive you at the station.(3M)

You may copy the given template to write your email.

From:

To:

Cc:

Date:

Subject

4. Write a descriptive paragraph about your experience of reaching late for an examination, in
not more than 100 words. (4)

5. Attempt any one of the two in about 120 words: (7)

A. (A) You are Kavish / Kavita, a resident of Amar Colony, New Delhi. You have noticed all kinds of
people throwing discarded packaging materials, used cigarette stubs and other garbage at every
crossing and on the roads and pavements. They do not throw these in the garbage bins provided
by the Municipal Corporation. Write a letter to the Editor of ‘The Times of India’, New Delhi,
emphasizing the importance of cleanliness amongst people for a healthy life.

 cleanliness is important for healthy environment

 need to learn hygiene and sanitation

 dirty places breed diseases

 important to adopt good and healthy practices

 keep surroundings clean and not litter at public places.

78
  cleanliness is next to godliness B. Trees along the road were being cut as a part of
widening of roads.

B. You are Abhinav, a sports lover. Write a letter to the Editor of a local daily expressing your
views on improving facilities for sportsmen. You can use the following clues and refer to Unit 1 –
Health and Medicine.

 facilities provided are pathetic

 no facility of international standards

 poor performance in overseas tournaments

 need of action for improvement

6. Attempt any one of the two in about 150 words: (8)

A. 1. Veena/Vishnu came across a newspaper clipping highlighting the remarkable growth in

women’s education in recent years, which can be attributed to various government initiatives
with this aim. Inspired by this, you decide to write an article on the topic of women’s education in
India for the school magazine in about 150 words.

Use the given cues, along with your own ideas and those you may have gathered from the Unit
‘Education’.

Educational status of women in India

The percentage of female literacy in the country was 54.16 per cent in 2001. The literacy rate in
the country has increased from 18.33 per cent in 1951 to 74.00 per cent as per 2011 census.

Women's education has been a topic of concern in India for many years. It is essential to
empower women with education as it helps them make inform the decisions and provides them
opportunity to lead a better life. The Indian government has taken several initiatives to promote
women's education across the country.

Government Initiatives for Promoting Women's Education in India are:

 Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme

 Pradhan
B. Unity in diversity’ is a famous
Mantri concept Yojana
Matru Vandana which best fits India. It is the strength and power of
India.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
Unity in Diversity has now been the most important feature identifying India. An educational
institution promotes the value of unity, tolerance, respect for heritage and diversity among the
students. Write an article discussing the significance of educational institutions in promoting the
national integration in a diverse country like India. Taking ideas from the MCB unit National
Integration and with the ideas given below.

79
⮚ Religious harmony: India is home to numerous religions

⮚ Multilingualism: India has 22 official languages

⮚ Regional cuisine: Indian cuisine is diverse and varied, with different regions

⮚ Cultural diversity: India has various cultural traditions

⮚ Traditional attire: Indians wear diverse traditional clothing

⮚ Festivals and celebrations: India celebrates various festivals

⮚ National symbol and shared values: Indians share common values like respect for elders,
importance

of family, and hospitality.

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)

7. Complete the tasks (A) to (C), as directed

A. Fill the blanks (a) - (c) with the appropriate option from those in the brackets. (3x1=3)

When I (a) ………. (come/return/turned) back, I saw my friends laughing. I wondered what
(b)............(could/can/is) be the reason. Then I (c).............(stare/noticed/realised) that my shirt
had a black stain on the sleeve.

B. In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheets,

remember to write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it, as
shown below. The first one has been done as an example. (4x1=4)

No. Text Word before Omission Word after

1 A large part India’s population is part of India’s

2 illiterate. Illiteracy is one of biggest evil

3 of the Indian society. Removal illiteracy

4 is necessary an all-round

5 development the country.

C. Do as directed. (3x1=3)

a) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given information to create a

meaningful sentence. (1)

in / the / tiger / Sunderban Delta / facing / shortage / a / are / natural fodder / of

80
b) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows. (2)

Customer: Why is the meal so sour?

Waiter: Nobody has complained for five days sir, about the meal.

Customer: What! Where is the Manager?

Waiter: He has gone to some other hotel to take dinner, sir.

One day a customer was taking dinner in a hotel. He asked the waiter why (1) …………………...……….
The waiter told him (2) ……………...…………... At this, the customer shocked and wanted to know
where the Manager was. The waiter replied that he had gone to some other hotel to take dinner.

SECTION D- LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)

8. Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for any two excerpts, of the three,
given. (2x4=8)

A. “The noble Brutus

Hath told you Caesar was ambitious:

If it were so, it was a grievous fault,

And grievously hath Caesar answered it.”

a) Who is the speaker? Who are ‘you’?

b) How did Caesar pay for being ambitious?

c) What argument did the speaker give to show that Brutus was wrong in his judgement of
Caesar?

d) What does ‘grievous fault’ refer to?

B. “This writing business is delightful, isn’t it?” I said sarcastically at last, out loud, too. You see, I
had reached the stage of imbecility when I was talking to myself.

I. Who is the speaker of these lines?

ii.What does the narrator mean by writing business?

iii.Which word has the narrator used sarcastically?

iv.Which stage of imbecility has the narrator reached?

C. All in a hot and copper

sky, The bloody Sun, at noon,

Right up above the mast did stand,

81
No bigger than the Moon.

a) How is the Sun different now from the Sun earlier?

i. The sun is hot now but earlier the sun was glorious

ii. The sun is glorious and red now but earlier the sun was hot

iii. There is no Sun now only fog and mist

iv. The Sun was large earlier but now it is small

b) Why are the sailors unable to move at this moment?

i. They are stuck in the land of ice and snow

ii. They are unable to move because they were surrounded by icebergs

iii. here is no breeze to help them sail.

iv. The rotting vegetation does not allow them to sail.

c) Name a poetic device used in the above lines.

i. Repetition ii. Imagery iii. Simile iv. Metaphor

d) What does the term "bloody Sun" most likely imply in the context of the excerpt?

i. i The Sun appears red or intense ii The Sun is obscured by clouds

iii. iii The Sun is setting iv The Sun is reflecting off the water

9. Answer any five of the following six questions in about 40 words each. (5x2=10)

i. Why did Ali not come to the Post Office for several days? Why was he impatient when he finally
returned to the Post Office?

ii. “The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed”. Whose hand and heart are referred to in
this line?

iii. How does the ghost undermine the narrator’s faith in his ability to write ghost stories?

iv. Why was the grandfather so keen on changing his will?

v. Who was Miss Mebbin? Was she really devoted to Mrs. Packletide? How did she behave during
the tiger shooting?

vi. Why does the woman turn away from the lake in agitation?

10. Answer any one of the following two questions in about 150 words. (1x8=8)

82
 a. In the poems ‘Ozymandias’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley and ‘Not Marble, Nor the Gilded
Monuments’ by William Shakespeare, the concept of Time is explored, but each poet
treats it in a distinct manner. Elucidate.
b. The poet talks to us indirectly about his inner voice and the need for man to forget
age old prejudices and love nature’s creations like the snake? Discuss it with
reference to DH Lawrence’s poem Snake.

#########################################################################

MARKING SCHEME – 6

SECTION A: READING (22 marks)

1 Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. 1
2
I b) The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines 1
II AI helps in enhancing human capabilities across diverse domains. In healthcare, AI 2
powered diagnostic tools can analyze medical images with remarkable accuracy,
aiding clinicians in early disease detection and treatment planning. Similarly, in
finance, AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to identify trends and
patterns, informing investment decisions and risk management strategies.
Moreover, in education, personalized learning platforms leverage AI to tailor
educational content
to individual students' needs, enhancing learning outcomes.
III d) Climate change 1
IV c) Retraining and upskilling the workforces 1
V Society can address job displacement by investing in education and training 2
programs that focus on upskilling and reskilling workers. This helps individuals
acquire new skills relevant to emerging job markets, ensuring they can adapt to
technological changes and reducing the risk of socioeconomic inequalities.
VI a) Optimistic 1
VI b) Establishing guidelines and regulations 1
I
VI b) The potential benefits of AI are vast, but they come with significant risks. 1
II
IX b) Collaboration is essential for responsible AI development. 1
X c) AI has the potential for significant benefits but requires ethical and responsible 1
development.

2 Answer the following questions, based on the report above. 1

0
ix. Latin America and the Caribbean and East Asia and the Pacific 1
x. from 99 million in 2000 to 58 million in 2019 1
xi. Primary education is critical to both an individual and society because it can help in 2
reducing extreme poverty and bringing out social changes. It can also help in
building foundation for kids.
xii. One of the targets related to primary education is promoting lifelong learning 1
opportunities for all, including a target on universal access to primary education.
xiii. The number of out-of-school children were reduced by over 40%. From 99 million 1
in 2000 to 58 million in 2019.
xiv. (b) Fundamental 1
xv. The Sustainable Development Agenda acknowledges the importance of primary 2
education in Goal 4 which stipulates that by 2030, the world should ensure
inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all, including a target on universal access to primary education.

83
xvi. (b) About 80% children completed the primary education 1

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

Note: All names and addresses of places and organisations used, are fictitious.
3 Suggested response:

from: ankurS@gmail.com 3
to: rahulpancholi@gmail.in
Cc:
date: February 28, 2024, 5:00 PM
subject: Reaching Rajkot
Dear Rahul,

As per my schedule, I am reaching Rajkot by 9.30 p.m. You know that I am coming
to Rajkot for the first time and am quite unfamiliar with the modes of transport
and ways. Kindly manage to receive me at the station, so that things become
easier for me. I am going to spend three days in the city and you will have to help
me out all through. I know that you will have to squeeze time from your busy
schedule but your company in this new city will be a great favour to me. I will be
waiting for you at the station as I get down. See you at the station tomorrow.
Affectionately yours,
Ankur Suchak

4 Suggested response sample:

It was 28th February, when I got up ten minutes late after a late night of studying for
exams. I hurried out to catch my school bus. As I feared I had missed my school bus.
I took an e-rickshaw and told the driver to go as fast as possible. The driver tried to
speed when suddenly, a schoolboy trying to cross the road came in front of the
vehicle. The e-rickshaw skidded as the driver pulled the brake hard. We were 4
shocked but relived to see that the boy was unhurt. I told the driver to go slow as I
felt shaken. I reached the exam hall late and narrated the incident to the invigilator.
My exam went well, but I realised that ‘haste makes waste’ and that preparation for
exam must include discipline along with studies.

5A Suggested response points, of which some need to be reflected in the

(OR) response:
7

5B _
(Sender’s address)

(Date)

(Address of the addressee)

84
 Sir/Madam

Sub: .

[Content / Body of the letter in 3 or 4 paragraphs]

Para 1 - INTRODUCTION - the reason for writing the letter / main idea / problem
Para 2 - ELABORATION - WHAT is it?? Elaborate on it - HOW it helps / affects?? /
Problem and its causes and effects.
Para 3 - CONCLUSION - Suggestions / Remedies (minimum 2)

Yours sincerely / truly*

Sender’s Sign
[SENDER’S NAME
6A HEADLINE – (Give A Suitable Headline)

(OR) - BYLINE (Write Author’s Name)

PARA 1- Introduction
6B
PARA 2- Main Body (Provide Information About the Topic)
8
PARA 3- Reasons For the Problem
PARA 4- Conclusion Providing Suggestions and Solutions
SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)
7A (a) turned 3x1=3
(b) could
(c) noticed

7B 4 x 1=4
Word before Omission Word after
of the biggest
Removal of illiteracy
necessary for an
development of the

3x1=3
7C a) The tigers in the Sunderban Delta are facing a shortage of natural fodder.
b) (1) the meal was so sour.
(2) that nobody had complained for five days about the meal.
SECTION D: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)
8 Attempt any two extracts 2x4=8
A a) Antonio speakes to the Romans.
b) Caesar paid for his ambition by dying in the hands of Brutus and other

85
 conspirators.
c) To argue that Brutus was wrong in his judgement of Caesar, Antony reminds
the Roman citizens how Caesar brought many captives to Rome so that
ransom could be earned to control the financial situation of the people. He
reminds them how Caesar had wept when the poor have cried.
d) Brutal death of Caesar.
B a) John Hallock, the narrator of the story, is the speaker of these lines.
b) By writing business the narrator means writing ghost stories.
c) The narrator uses the word ‘delightful’ sarcastically.
d) The narrator had reached the stage of imbecility when he was talking to himself.
C a) i. The sun is hot now but earlier the sun was glorious
b) iii. There is no breeze to help them sail.
c) ii. Imagery
d) i) The Sun appears red or intense
9 Answer any five of the following six questions in about 40 words each. 5x2=10
i Ali could not go to the post office as he was very sick and had clear signs of
approaching death. He was impatient when he finally returned to the Post Office as
he knew it was his last day as he was about to die and was anxious as he had not
received Miriam's
(his daughter) letter.
ii “The hand that mocked them” here means the hand of the sculptor. After
understanding the passions that arose in the heart of Ozymandias he reproduced
mocked them on the stone. “The heart that fed” here means the heart of king
Ozymandias which gave birth to those passions as were mocked reproduced or
copied
by the sculptor on the stone.
iii The ghost undermines the narrator’s faith in his ability to write ghost stories by telling
him that it was she who helped him to write ghost stories. She added that she would
continue to help him only if he stops his friends and acquaintances from using the
Ouija
Board.
iv Grandfather was keen on changing his will because he realised that none of the
daughters was keen to keep him and considered him to be a burden on them.
Moreover, they wanted to grab his belongings and proceeded with the division of his
belongings, assuming him to be dead.

86
v Miss Mebbin was Mrs. Packletide’s paid companion. She charged money for sitting

87
 with her while Mrs. Packletide hunted the tiger. She was not at all sincere to Mrs.
Packletide and behaved very arrogantly during the tiger hunting.
vi This woman is preoccupied with her reflection, hoping to find in it “what she really
is.” Even though the mirror itself is objective—in other words, it reflects exactly what
stands before it—the woman looking at her reflection still cannot see herself in its
image.
10 Answer any one of the following two questions in about 150 words. 1x8=8
I -Time portrayed - inexorable force – eroding human achievement – diminishing –
powerful monuments to oblivion. -Shattered statue of Ozymandias – once mighty
ruler
– now reminder of transience of human glory -Inscription – ‘Look on my work, ye
Mighty and despair!” – stands in vast and desolate desert emphasizes irony of king’s
ambition
– how it has been humbled & destroyed by Time’s passage – Time depicted -
adversary
– attempts to claim beauty of verse - poet defies time – by immortalizing through
poetic lines. -celebrate timeless power of poetry – can transcend ravages of time –
preserve beauty forever Both poems convey -profound understanding of fleeting
nature of human achievements and inevitability of Time’s passage -Ozymandias –
presents Time as relentless force – brings about downfall of human empires -Not
Marble, nor the gilded monuments – portrays Time as challenge – can be
conquered through
immortalizing power of poetry.
II We are often advised to stay away from insects, birds and animals that can harm us
like spiders and snakes. We, humans, have presumed notions about other living
species and consider them to be dangerous. We go against our natural instincts that
tell us that all creatures are equals. In the poem ‘Snake’, the poet presents this the
inner voice that appeals to us to drop the age-old prejudices. The poet treats the
snake as an equal showing that he doesn’t consider other species to be inferior to him.
The snake never threatens or tries to harm the poet. It just quenches its thirst and
retreats back to its hole. However, the poet’s education has taught him that snakes
are dangerous and he, thus, attacks it. The poem hereby teaches us to show respect to
the beautiful creations of God. We should learn to co-exist peacefully with the other
species and protect their
right to existence.

88
 SAMPLE PAPER – 17

SECTION- A: READING – 22 MARKS

89
 1. READ THE PASSAGE AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THAT FOLLOW. 12M

i. Tourism, for millennia, has been a perpetual industry. Though initially unorganised and highly
chaotic, it retained a place in each nook of history. Present tourism scenario in India is on the rise,
with destinations grabbing eyeballs globally and domestically. Being the youngest nation in the
world, it’s no wonder that the aggregate of ‘millennial’s’ spends more time and money on travel
than previous generations. This could be huge for the economy of various states that rely
majority on tourism, if only it were sustainable.
ii. Unsustainability prevails throughout the country, in states with higher domestic tourist inflow
than foreign. The Dev Bhoomi is a prime example; no matter how popular.

Uttarakhand tourism is loop-holed through and through.

iii. Approx. 80% of tourists arrive to complete the Char Dham Yatra. Such unchecked tourism puts

immense pressure on natural and infrastructure facilities. The extreme shortage of

accommodation in correspondence with thriving footfalls has led to the construction of illegal

buildings, the majority of which exist on riverbanks. With an increasing number of tourists

coming in through private vehicles to save ‘transportation money’, pollution level is rising,

increasing temperature in return. With unlawful construction and pollution on riverbanks, the

Ganges could cause direct harm to local species of flora and fauna in Rishikesh and Haridwar.

iv. Around I0000 hilly areas are being converted for the construction of roads alone. We know,

roads are the basic infrastructure, but the Forest Conservation Act requires a project developer to

plant trees in a non-forest/degraded forest area equal to or twice the trees it’s clearing

respectively, to compensate which does not happen.

v. The India State of Forest Report illustrates how Uttarakhand is losing its forest cover, which has

indirect development through tourism, at its core. The Government and private tour operators

may think they can deny allegations. but the charts speak for themselves.

vi. We, as consumers of the tourism industry, hold the power to cause a massive stir in this

context. According to a research conducted, Uttarakhand’s mass tourism comprises people

between 25-35 years of age, with higher education, out with either family or friends and enough

average income contribute to the local economy.

90
(i) The above passage highlights that ----

(a) Tourism is the main source of income for India.

(b) Tourism must not be promoted in Uttrakhand.

(c) Tourism is not sustainable and thus causing harm to the environment.

(d) The young people do not go to the tourist site

(ii) What is the reason behind the construction of illegal buildings at the tourist places?

(a) Demolition of old buildings

(b) Strict orders of the government

(c) Increasing pressure on the natural resources

(d) The influx of a large number of tourists and the urgency to accommodate them

(iii) Why are the hilly areas of Uttrakhand being damaged?

(a) For planting more and more trees

(b) For the construction of roads

(c) For building new guest houses for the VIP’s

(d) For making it a plain area.

(iv) The condition of the tourism industry at the initial stage was unorganized and

chaotic.(TRUE/FALSE)

(v) The pressure of the large number of tourists at the tourist site results in:

(a) illegal infrastructural constructions near river banks

(b)rise in the levels of pollution

(c) direct impact on the local species of flora and fauna

(d) All of the above

(vi) Select the appropriate option to fill in the blank. (1)

From paragraph 1, we can infer that....................................................is the main cause for putting

pressure on the infrastructural and natural resources.

91
(a) unchecked tourism

(b) illegal construction

(c) pollution

(d) increasing temperatures

(vii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a suitable word from the choice

given below. (1)

Movie: Viewers: Product: (1)

(a) Service

(b) Consumers

(c) Operators

(d) Millennia

(viii) Whom does ‘Millennials refer to? How are they affecting the Indian tourism scenario? (2)

(ix) Based on your understanding of the passage, list out the consequences of a large

number of tourists in Uttarakhand (2)

(x) According to the passage, select the chart that is the correct depiction of the

relation between incoming tourists and the temperature of the region. (1)

(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2 (c) Option 3 (d) None of these

2. Read the following report:

92
i. All of Earth’s oceans share one thing in common: plastic pollution. Discarded plastic bags, cups,

and bottles make their way into the sea. Today, it seems that no part of the ocean is safe from

plastic trash. In recent years, oceanographers have searched in vain for a pristine marine

environment. They have found plastic everywhere they have looked. “It is a common global

problem; we can’t point to a single habitat or location with no plastic.”

ii. Plastic harms wildlife and introduces dangerous chemicals into marine ecosystems —

communities of organisms interacting with their surroundings. Once plastic enters the

environment, it lasts a long time. Scientists are working to prevent plastic pollution from entering

the sea.

iii. In today’s world, plastic is everywhere. It’s found in shoes, clothing, household items,

electronics, and more. There are different types of plastics, but one thing they all have in

common is that they’re made of polymers – large molecules made up of repeating units. Their

chemical structure gives them a lot of advantages: they’re cheap and easy to manufacture,

lightweight, water-resistant, durable, and can be moulded into nearly any shape. Most of the

plastic that pollutes our oceans comes from land. Infact it is estimated that 80% of ocean plastic

originates on land, flowing into the oceans through sewers and rivers etc. Fishing and shipping

are other causes of ocean pollution.

93
iv. Another problem with plastics is the other chemicals they contain, like dyes and flame

retardants. When plastic isn’t disposed of properly, these additives end up in the environment.

Plastic also tends to absorb harmful chemicals from its surroundings. “It’s like a sponge for

persistent organic pollutants.” These long-lasting, toxic substances include pesticides and

industrial chemicals. If plastic absorbs the chemicals, and marine organisms eat the plastic, they

may be exposed to higher concentrations of these contaminants.

v. Plastic and its associated pollutants can even make it into our own food supply. Scientists

recently examined fish and shellfish bought at markets in California and Indonesia. They found

plastic in the guts of more than a quarter of samples purchased at both locations; in organisms

that people eat whole, such as sardines and oysters, that means we’re eating plastic too. In larger

fishes, chemicals from plastic may seep into their muscles and other tissues that people consume.

vi. One of the biggest impacts of plastic pollution is its effect on sea life. Seals, sea turtles, and

even whales can become entangled in plastic netting. They can starve to death if the plastic

restricts their ability to move or eat. Or the plastic can cut into the animals’ skin, causing wounds

that develop severe infections.

vii. “Individual actions make a big difference,” says Jambeck. Disposing of plastic properly for

recycling or trash collection is a key step. “And simple things like reusable water bottles, mugs,

and bags really cut down on waste,” she says. Skipping straws or using paper ones help too.

Ocean pollution can seem overwhelming, but it’s something everyone can help address. This is a

problem we can really do something about.

------By Jennifer Barone

Source--- scienceworld.scholastic.com/an-ocean-of-plastic#1050L

(i) Plastic is not biodegradable because it is made up of: (1)

(a) Low atomic particles

(b) Tiny Particles

94
(c) Strong big particles

(d) Large molecule polymers

(ii) In each of the questions given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and

Reason (R). (1)

Statement: Plastics cause problem to sea animals.

Reason : Plastics are made of polymers – large molecules made up of repeating units

Mark your answer as per the codes provided below:

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.

e. Both A and R are false.

(iii) Why is plastic compared to a sponge? (1)

(iv) Based on the reading of the passage, why is it important to cut down on the amount

of plastic that reaches the ocean in the first place? (1)

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately.

Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, as , (1)

(vi) Scientists bought fish and shellfish for examination at markets in .

a. China and Russia

b. Indonesia and China

c. California and India

d California and Indonesia

(vii) What is the primary source of plastic pollution in the Earth’s oceans? Give examples.(2)

(viii) “Individual actions make a big difference”. Mention at least two ways in which you
could reduce the use of plastic and make a difference. (2m)

95
 SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)
3. Write an email to your Class teacher, Mrs. Sharma, requesting permission to leave school early
on Friday due to a family emergency. Provide a brief explanation of the situation and assure her
that you will make up for any missed assignments. Use a formal tone and proper email
formatting. (3)

4. Write a factual description, in not more than 100 words, of a VIDEO GAME that you purchased

for yourself recently. (4)

5A. Yoga has been globally recognized as a means to maintain good health. In light of its

widespread appeal, the United Nations has declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

Using the given clues and taking ideas from the unit Health and Medicine, write a Letter to the

Editor of a local daily emphasizing the importance of Yoga for health in not more than 120

words. (7)

• Yoga-India's contribution to the world

• 5000-year-old practice
• Doctors to admit - immense health benefits
• Has become more important
• Which can change our lifestyle
• Physical, mental, and psychological benefits

OR

96
5B. Write a letter, in about 120 words, to the Food Safety Officer of your locality complaining

about the street vendors who are selling adulterated food items which is causing a lot of

problems to the people of your colony. Use ideas from the unit on Health and Medicine and

own ideas. You are Sumathi residing in 12 NM Flats Star Colony Hyderabad.

6A Write an article, in about 150 words, as Gaurav Taneja, X-C, advocating for the

implementation of inclusive education practices in schools, focusing on the benefits for students

with diverse learning needs. Share advantages and discuss the importance of fostering an

inclusive school environment. Additionally, propose any one recommendation for policymakers

and educators to promote inclusivity in the education system.

Use the given cues, along with your ideas and those you may have gathered from Unit 2:

Education, and write the article. (8)

Benefits of inclusive education for students with diverse learning needs

Importance of fostering an inclusive school environment.

OR
6B. Children are the future of the nation. Schools and parents play an important role in

moulding a child’s personality. Write an article on the topic ‘Role of School in a child’s life’ in 150

words by taking ideas from unit-2 Education and using the following hints.

• Importance of school for a child

• The shaping of physical and mental health

• Development of the right attitude

• Character building

• Providing opportunities to develop talents in each child

97
 SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)

7. Complete the tasks A-C, as directed.

A. Fill the blanks (i) -(iii) with the appropriate option from those in the brackets. (3)

If you are really interested (a)............(of/ for/ in) the wellbeing of women, there are serious issues

(b)..................( that/ when/ for) need focus- girl children’s nourishment, education, sanitary needs

a dignified life, and above all, (c)……………(economical/economically/ economic) empowerment

and freedom to choose the life she wishes to live.

B. In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheets,

remember to write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it, as

shown below. The first one has been done as an example. (4)

NO: TEXT WORD OMISSION WORD

BEFOR AFTER
E
Eg It is known fact that is a known

i Years before Elvis Presley became king of

ii Rock and Roll, the story goes, he in a small

house
iii upon a hill had his elementary school in
northeastern
iv Mississippi and played other kids in a nearby
field.

7C i. Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create a

meaningful sentence. 1M

modern / evolution / has / Asia /written/ he / about / the /of

ii.Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows. 1+1

Friend: Ajay, did you buy a zoom lens with your camera

Ajay: No, I did not. I ran out of money.

Ajay's friend asked (a) with his camera. Ajay replied

98
that he had not because (b) .

SECTION D : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)

8. Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for ANY TWO excerpts, of the

three, given.

A. Nothing beside remains.

Round the decay
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.”
(Ozymandias)
(a) What is the colossal wreck mentioned in the passage?

(b) What does the term ‘Wreck’ tell us?

(c) Where was the statue located?

(d) What literary device does the poet use in the last line?

B. Shall Caesar send a lie?

Have I in conquest stretch’d mine arm so far,

To be afraid to tell greybeards the truth?

Decius, go tell the Caesar will not come.

(Julius Caesar)

(a) Who has come to meet Caesar?

(b) What is the lie that Calpurnia wants Caesar to send?

(c) Who are the ‘greybeards?

. (d) Pick out a word from the above lines that has the same meaning as ‘victory’.

C. "In a world that is supposed to be chiefly swayed by hunger and by love, Mrs. Packletide was

an exception; her moments and motives were largely governed by dislike of Loona

Bimberton".

(a) What governed Mrs. Packletide’s motives?

(b) How was Mrs. Packletide an exception?

99
(c) Why did Mrs. Packletide dislike Loona Bimberton?

100
 (d) What does the author mean by, 'a world swayed by hunger and love?

(Mrs Packletides Tiger)

9. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in about 30- 40 words each(10)

i. Although Calpurnia revealed her fear after nightmare yet Caesar decided to go to

senate house. Why ? 2

ii. “Pen is mightier than sword”. Elucidate with reference to the poem ‘Not Marble Nor

Gilded Monuments’. 2

iii. Why was the ‘Writer’s inspiration Bureau’ formed? 2

iv. Why did the sailors change their stand regarding the killing of the albatross? What does

this show about their character? 2

v. How does the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ give hope to the society? 2

vi. In the story, Virtually True, Michael said, "That's what I like about computers.

The more futuristic they get, the better you can understand the past." Explain what

he meant. 2

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 150 words. (8M
a) “Guilt makes a heavy burden on our mind and soul. It drags us down and makes our life

miserable.”. Evaluate and make a reflection about the given lines in connection with the

lesson ‘TheLetter’.

OR

b) The Frog and the Nightingale” is a poem written by Vikram Seth, while ‘Snake is a poem

written by D.H. Lawrence. These two poems are distinct works by different authors and

belong to different literary traditions, but they do share some thematic similarities,

particularly in their exploration of the relationship between nature and human

intervention. Bring out two points of similarity between these two poems.

*******************************************************

MARKING SCHEME/ANSWER KEY

101
 SECTION A- READING (22M)
Q1. READING COMPREHENSION 12M
(i) (c) Tourism is not sustainable and thus causing harm to the environment 1
(ii) The influx of a large number of tourists and the urgency to accommodate them1
(iii) For the construction of roads 1
(iv) True 1
(v) (d) All of the above 1
(vi) (a) unchecked tourism 1
(vii) (b) Consumers 1

(viii) ‘Millennials refer to people between 25-35 years of age. India’s tourism scenario is on
the rise because of the millennials as they are the local tourists who spend more time
and money on travel than the previous generations. 2
(ix) The consequence of large number of tourists leads to illegal infrastructural
constructions, Rise in pollution due to self-transportation etc (any two points from the
passage.
2
(x) (a) Option 1 ( 1)

2. Read the following report: 10 M

i (d) Large molecule polymers 1

ii b. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 1

iii Plastic tend to absorb harmful chemicals from its surroundings. Therefore, it acts like a sponge

for persistent organic pollutants.” 1

iv Disposing of plastic properly for recycling or trash collection is important before it enters the

ocean because of its effect on sea life. It may endanger not only marine life but also affect

humans once it enters their food chain. 1

v Once plastic enters the environment, it lasts a long time. 1

vi d California and Indonesia 1

vii Most of the plastic that pollutes our oceans comes from land. flowing into the oceans through

sewers and rivers etc. Fishing and shipping are other causes of pollution. 2

viii mark may be given for any two relevant points. 2

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

3. E- MAIL 3M
102
 from: yourname@gmail.com

to: sharmajschool@gmail.com

Cc:

date: October 20, 2024, 05:10 PM

subject:

Dear Mrs Sharma,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request permission to leave school
early on [specific date] due to [brief explanation of the reason, e.g., a medical appointment,
family obligation, etc.].

I understand the importance of attending all classes, and I assure you that I will make every effort
to catch up on any missed work. I appreciate your consideration of my request.

Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to your positive response.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

4. Write a factual description, in not more than 100 words, of a VIDEO GAME that you purchased
for yourself recently

SUGGESTED ANSWER (SAMPLE)

I recently purchased "Hogwarts Legacy," an open-world action RPG set in the Wizarding World of

Harry Potter. Players create their own character, attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and

Wizardry in the 1800s. The game features spellcasting, potion-making, and exploring iconic

locations like Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest. Players can engage in quests, battle magical

creatures, and uncover the mysteries of ancient magic. With immersive graphics and a rich

storyline, "Hogwarts Legacy" allows fans to experience life as a student in a beloved fantasy

universe while making choices that impact their journey.

5A. letter to editor 7M

103
Form (Sender’s address)

Date

Address of the addressee

Sir/Madam

Sub: .

[Content / Body of the letter in 3 or 4 paragraphs]

Para 1 - INTRODUCTION - the reason for writing the letter / main idea / problem

Para 2 - ELABORATION - WHAT is it?? Elaborate on it - HOW it helps / affects?? /Problem and its
causes and effects.

Para 3 - CONCLUSION - Suggestions / Remedies (minimum 2) Yours truly* (* Letter to the Editor)

Sender’s Sign [SENDER’S NAME]

OR

5B. FORMAL LETTER 7M

12 NM Flats,
Star Colony Hyderabad.
3 July 2024

The food Safety Officer

Hyderabad.
Sir
Sub: Complaint about street vendors.

I would like to draw your kind attention to the growing number of street vendors
who are selling adulterated food items which is causing a lot of problems to the people of my
colony.
We all know that people are showing more interest in consuming food from hotels and street
vendors rather than eating home- made food. Those who are staying away from family or
working shifts find the food supplied by street vendors easy on their purse and needs. But it is
with great shock and unhappiness that I want to complain that many street vendors are selling
adulterated food items in their shops.
I request you kindly to visit my colony and check the food items that are being sold by the

104
 street vendors and take severe action against those who are selling adulterated food. This will
help the innocent customers who depend on street vendors for their food and those vendors
who sell good quality food.

Yours sincerely
Sumathi
[SUMATHI]

6A. ARTICLE WRITING 8M

Suggested response points, of which some need to be reflected in the response: Introduction: 
Define inclusive education and its significance in promoting equitable access to quality education
for all students. Highlight the diversity of students' learning needs and the importance of
addressing these needs within the mainstream education system.

Benefits of inclusive education for students with diverse learning needs: Improved academic
outcomes-- how inclusive classrooms facilitate personalised learning experiences tailored to
individual students' abilities and strengths. Social and emotional development-- the positive
impact of inclusive environments on students' self-esteem, confidence, and sense of belonging.
Preparation for real-world experiences-- how inclusive education promotes empathy,
collaboration, and respect for diversity, essential skills for success in a globalised society.

Importance of fostering an inclusive school environment:

Promoting diversity and acceptance-- how inclusive schools celebrate differences and create a sense of
community where every student feels valued and respected.

Reducing stigma and discrimination-- the negative effects of segregation and exclusion on
students with disabilities or other learning differences, pointing towards the need for inclusive
practices to combat prejudice and stereotypes. Enhancing school culture and climate: How
inclusive environments promote positivity among students
OR

6B. SUGGESTED RESPONSE 8M

Schools plays a vital role in a child's life and education. It is an institution that not only imparts
academic knowledge but also helps in the overall development of a child. In this blog, we will
discuss the various roles of schools in a child's life and education.

Academic Development The primary role of a school is to provide a structured academic

environment that fosters the intellectual development of a child. Schools offer a variety of
courses and subjects that are designed to teach students about different fields of study. These
subjects include math, science, social studies, language arts, and more.

Schools also provide students with a platform to showcase their academic skills through various
competitions, debates, and quizzes. This helps in building the confidence and self-esteem of a
child.

105
Social Development
Schools are also responsible for the social development of a child. A school provides a diverse
environment where students can interact with each other and learn to appreciate different
cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Schools also teach children important social skills such as communication, teamwork, and
leadership. These skills are crucial for a child's personal and professional development.

Emotional Development
Schools play a vital role in a child's emotional development. Teachers and staff are trained to
provide a supportive environment where children feel safe and secure. Schools also provide
counseling services to students who may be struggling with emotional or mental health issues.

Physical Development
Physical education is an essential part of a child's education. Schools offer sports programs and
physical education classes that help students stay active and healthy. Physical education also
teaches children about the importance of fitness, exercise, and healthy living.

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)

7. Complete the tasks A-C, as directed.

A. a- in, b – that, c – economic
B. In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheets,

remember to write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it, as

shown below. The first one has been done as an example. (4)

NO: TEXT WORD OMISSION WORD

BEFOR AFTER
E
Eg It is known fact that is a known

i Years before Elvis Presley became king of became the king

ii Rock and Roll, the story goes, he in a small he lived in

house
iii upon a hill had his elementary school hill and had
in northeastern
iv Mississippi and played other kids in a played with other
nearby field.

i. Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create a

meaningful sentence.

Ans. He has written about the evolution of modern Asia

106
ii. Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows. 1+1

107
 a) Whether he had bought a zoom lens
b) He ran out of money

SECTION D : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)

8. Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for ANY TWO excerpts, of the t

hree given.

A (a) It refers to the remains of the statue

(b) Wreck here means that the statue was destroyed due to ravages of time, perhaps wars
and battles etc
(c) It was located in an ancient land.
(d) Alliteration (lone and level sands
B (a) Decius Brutus
(b) Calpurnia wants Caesar to tell a lie that he was sick and couldn’t go to the senate house.
(c) the other senators
(d) conquest
C. (a) Mrs. Packletide was an exceptional character who did not conform to the
usual human motivations of hunger and love. She was driven by her desire
for social status and recognition and also her hatred for Loona Bimberton,
her social rival.

(b) Mrs Packletide is an exception because her actions are driven by her dislike of
Loona Bimberton.
(c) she was jealous of Bimberton's wealth, social status, and fame
(d) It means 'in the world people's actions are either determined by hunger or love.
9. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in about 30- 40 words each (10)

i. Caesar decided to go to the Senate House after Calpurnia revealed her fear because Decius
Brutus convinced him that Calpurnia's dream was a good omen, and Caesar didn't want to
miss his chance to become emperor
ii. The poem “Not Marble Nor Gilded Monuments” supports the idea that “pen is mightier than the sword”
by suggesting that art and literature are immortal and transcend time.

iii The Writer's Inspiration Bureau was formed by ghosts to help writers who were struggling to
come up with ideas for ghost stories.
Iv After condemning the ancient Mariner for killing the innocent and auspicious bird the mariners
completely changed their stand. Now they supported the old Mariner because the albatross had
brought fog and mist. They justified his act of killing such a bird. Their shifting stand shows that the
mariners were fickle minded. They had no ideology or strength of conviction

v. Two Gentlemen of Verona by A.J. Cronin promises hope for society by showing the
selflessness, nobility, and gentlemanliness of the two boys, Jacopo and Nicola.

vi. Michael is expressing his enthusiasm for the capabilities of modern technology such as
108
 computers to help him experience and understand historical events and settings in a
better way. He is suggesting that as technology advances and becomes more futuristic, it
can allow people to have more vivid and realistic experiences that bring the past to life.
This could include using virtual reality technology to explore historical sites or playing
games that stimulate historical events.

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 150 words. (8)

a. The best way to handle guilt is to take responsibility for your actions. We must commit
to making amends for all the wrong doings. We must always remember that while we
take responsibility for our thoughts and deeds, we are also worthy of forgiveness. Ali in
the lesson “THE LETTER” was a ruthless shikari he never had any sympathy for the birds
and animals that he killed. He, in fact, took pleasure in seeing his hunting trophies. He
never felt guilty but it is possible that the pain and suffering that he had to face was a
result of his acts. We also see that the post office officials were thoughtless and reckless.
They never took pains to understand Ali’s plight. They had no sympathy for him instead
they made fun of him. Lakshmi-Das got five golden guineas from coachman Ali for
delivering Miriam’s letter to his grave. It is evident that after this he was remorseful. He
felt guilty for the way he treated Ali.

b. The point of similarities between, The Frog and the Nightingale and Snake can be
brought by referring to the following:
1. Nature and the Natural World: Both poems focus on the natural world and its inhabitants.
‘The Frog and the Nightingale’ features a frog and a nightingale, while ‘Snake’ centers on a
snake. The poets use vivid descriptions and sensory imagery to bring these creatures and their
environments to life.
2. Human Intervention: Both poems touch upon the theme of human intervention in the

natural world. In ‘The Frog and the Nightingale,’ the frog’s manipulation of the nightingale’s

talent serves as a metaphor for exploitation and commercialization. In ‘Snake,’ the speaker

must decide whether to allow the snake to drink from his water trough, highlighting the

human tendency to impose our will on nature.

109
 While these thematic similarities exist, it’s important to note that the two poems have distinct

styles, tones, and messages. Vikram Seth’s ‘The Frog and the Nightingale’ is a fable-like poem

with a moral lesson, whereas D.H. Lawrence’s ‘Snake’ is a more introspective and complex

exploration of humans and instincts.

SAMPLE PAPER – 18

SECTION A : READING SKILLS (22 marks)

1. Read the text carefully and answer the questions: 12M

1. At present, India has less than 5 percent of land in the form of protected areas for wildlife.

These protected areas are often surrounded by densely populated settlements, providing several

opportunities for human-

animal interactions and, invariably, conflict. According to a research done by Centre for Wildlife

Studies (CWS)-a non-profit that works on wildlife research, conservation, policy, and education-

India is a high- wildlife, high-conflict country, with an average of 80,000 incidents reported per

year to the government.

2. There are broadly five types of conflict: people losing crops, property damage, livestock

being attacked, human injury, and human death. Approximately, 70 percent of the conflict is crop

and property damage. Livestock damage is approximately 15-20 percent; human injury or deaths

comprise 5 percent, which is remarkably low given the high densities of people that come into

close contact with large animals such as elephants, pigs, tigers, leopards, and bears.

3. Dr. Krithi Karanth, executive director of CWS, explains the circumstances under which

human-wildlife

conflict becomes extreme. “If an elephant comes on to a farmer’s field and ruins someone’s crops

70 times in seven years, which we’ve seen through our Wild Seve programme, it is natural for

110
people to react.”

4. The issue of human-animal conflict isn’t restricted to India alone. In fact, India has held on

to its wildlife despite large-scale development, land-use change, and economic growth because

there’s tremendous

cultural tolerance for animals. According to Krithi, “In addition to the reverence towards

elephants because of Ganesha, we’ve also had many people tell us, “These animals were here

before us, we have to learn to

share space with them. This is what sets India apart from other Asian countries. Countries such as

China, Thailand, and Vietnam have very similar animals, but many of them are gone now because

their relationship to wildlife is different.” Krithi believes that India has maintained a very

precarious balance between people and animals because of this inherent culture and belief that

you have to share space.

5. Avinash Krishnan, executive director of A Rocha India-an organisation that works on

scientific research,

environmental education, and community-based conservation projects in the Bannerghatta Hosur

landscape of southern India-concurs. “As a country, we’re far more resilient to conflict. Hence,

there is much that we can intervene and do, because the basic foundation among communities is

one of acceptance and positivity. It’s only when you let conflict levels escalate to a point where

people start losing their lives and livelihoods severely that they retaliate.”

6. He adds that if we can keep conflict at manageable levels, and be accountable for it,

people will be more

accepting. “The problem is that no one takes accountability for conflict. When farmers are

affected by crop raids, it’s the responsibility of the forest department to check on them

immediately. But they don’t do so because they are scared the farmers will direct their anger

towards them, since they believe that the animal is the responsibility of the forest department.

But we’ve seen that

111
when we approach people (as a conservation organisation), even if we take the side of the

elephant, they feel heard and acknowledged.”

(i) Select the option that lists the major reason for escalating human-animal conflict.

a )Indifferent attitude towards wild animals.

b) Lack of alternative source of income for farmers.

c)Aggressive behaviour of the villagers.

d) Densely populated human settlements in proximity of wild habitats.

(ii) It is inevitable for people to retaliate against big elephants when:

a) they are forced to share space with elephants.

b) there is meagre loss of livestock by elephants.

c) there is a reverence towards elephants.

d) their lives and livelihoods are attacked by elephants.

(iii)Human injury and deaths as a result of animal attacks comprise 5 percent of the conflict.

However, the narrator mentions it as remarkably low because .

(iv) Complete the following sentence appropriately:

Human injury and deaths as a result of animal attacks comprise 5 percent of the conflict.

However, the narrator mentions it as remarkably low because

(v) The most common type/result of the conflict is .

(vi) Read the two statements given below and choose the correct option.

i. India is considered a high-wildlife country.

ii. On an average 80,000 human-animal incidents are reported per year to the government.

a) (i) summarises (ii). b) (i) elaborates (ii).

c) (i) is true and (i) is the cause of (ii). d) (i) is true and (ii) is the reason for it.

(vii) For which of the paragraphs of the passage, Pattern of Conflict would be an appropriate

heading?

112
(viii) What makes India different from other Asian countries when it comes to maintaining a

relationship with its wildlife? List any two points. 2

(ix) What role can be played by the forest department in mitigating the human-animal conflict?

(x) Which word in paragraphs 4-5 means the same as to become involved in a difficult situation in

order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.

(xi) It is quite challenging for a country to maintain a balance between its wildlife and large-scale

development. (True/ False)

2. Read the text carefully and answer the questions: (10)

Read the following table displaying the rise in global sea level.

Global sea level could rise by more than two metres by the end of the century-resulting in the

displacement of almost 200 million people, if global warming continues at its current rate, new

research suggests.

Population Displaced by 2100 (approx.).

Region
(Assuming two-metre rise in sea-level)
North America 13
m
Central America and Caribbean 1.5 m
South America 8.5 m
North and West Europe 16.5 m
Africa 9m
Mediterranean Sea Coast 8m
Gulf States 1.25 m
South Asia 57
m
East Asia 35
m
South-East Asia 33
m
Indian Ocean Islands 0.5 m
Pacific Ocean Islands 2.5 m

113
 World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)’s
Report
* World’s sea level is rising at an unprecedented rate.
* Portending potentially disastrous consequences for the weather, agriculture, the
extant groundwater crisis,and social disparities.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS
If global temperature increase stays below 2 degrees Celsius (target set by Paris Climate
Agreement) Onaverage, melting ice sheets would contribute estimated 26 cm to sea level rise
by 2100.Worst-case scenario: 5% chance that contribution could be as much as 80 cm. Rise
could exceed 1 m if other factors - melting glaciers and expansion of ocean water as it warms -
are taken into account.

If global temperatures increase by 5 degrees Celsius (where current trajectory for

economic growthcontinues) On average, melting ice sheets would contribute estimated
51 cm to sea level rise by 2100.Worst-case scenario: 5% chance that global sea level rise
could exceed 2 m, flooding up to 1.8 million sqkm (1.2% of global land area) and
displacing as many as 187 million people.

(i) How can the rise in global sea level further increase the social disparities?
(ii) Which of the following statements cannot be substantiated about the impact of rising global
sea levels (bythe end of the century) from the data provided?

a) There is a potential threat of displacement of 200 million peopleacross the globe.

b) South-East Asia has the safest coastalareas.

c) More people in North America will be at a risk of displacement than in Africa.

d) In Gulf states, more than 1 million people will be displaced

(iii) If global temperature increases more than 4.5 degree Celsius by 2100, what
could be its two drastic effects?

(iv) Identify the factor that contributes to the rising sea levels.

a)Melting ice sheets b) Groundwater crisis

c) Displacement of population d) Social disparities

114
 (v) As per the given data, from which region the minimum number of people will
be displaced as a result of global warming?

(vi) Complete the given sentence appropriately.

The world’s sea level is rising at an unprecedented rate. Here

‘unprecedented rate’ refers to .

(vii) Explain briefly why option (a) from the three options given below, is correct
about sea level rise?
a. Its accelerating pace is worrisome.

b. Its accelerating pace is a reason for curiosity.

c. Its accelerating pace can prove a blessing in disguise for economic growth.

(viii)Select the option that correctly matches the following:

(A) Meditarranean Sea Coast (1) Less than one million

(B) North and West Europe (2) Less than 50 million
(C) Indian Ocean Islands (3) Less than 10 million
(4) 13 million
(5) More than 15 million

a) A - 4; B - 5; C - 1 b) A - 3; B - 5; C - 1

c) A - 4; B - 2; C - 3 d) A - 3; B - 1; C - 4
SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

3. Write an e-mail to the Principal of your school requesting them for a change in the timing of the
school bus. Invent necessary details and mention the reason. [3]

115
4. Write a descriptive paragraph based on the personality shown in the picture given below. [4]

5. Your school has decided to take part in half marathon organised by an NGO in Hyderabad.
Write a letter to the Area Manager of the NGO requesting permission to participate in the half
marathon on 28 December 2024 starting from the L.B Stadium. Request the NGO to provide your
school with 200 T-shirts for boys and girls aged 15- 17 years. You are School Captain, Manisha
/Manish Mehta, PMSHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Hyderabad. [7]

OR

As a health conscious person, you have noticed an advertisement in a newspaper on yoga classes
in your neighbourhood. Write a letter to the Organiser, Yoga for Public, Vidya Puram, Hyderabad
requesting him/her to send you information about the duration of the course and other relevant
details. You are Shweta/Srikar of 24/7,Subhash Nagar, Hyderabad.

6. Technology is transforming every field of life today including education. Write an article on the
topic: Role of Technology in Education in about 150 words. You can take the following hints:
-online classes -available any time -low cost- any age group- glocal-no physical boundries [8]

OR
Modern technology has changed our lives in countless ways - revolutionising how we work, live
and play. Write an article on the topic: Rapid Digital Adoption: Revolutionising our Lives. You can
take hints from the MCB unit Science. You are Ram/Sunita.

SECTION C : GRAMMAR (10 marks)

7. Complete the tasks A-C, as directed : [3]

A. Fill in the blanks (a)-(c) with the appropriate option from those in the
brackets. (a)(Why/What/While) peeling the sweet lime and oranges, (b)
(is/be/will) careful that the segments are not mashed. The lettuce leaves are
(c)

116
(broken/torn/cut)

117
 B. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the
incorrect word and the correction in the space provided against the correct blank number: [4]

Text Error Correction

One morning, I finished one business at the bank e.g. one some

and was returning in pick up my motorbike which I had left (a)

in the parking lot outside. Suddenly, he realised that I had (b)

lost its key. Upset, I searched about it in the bank. A bank (c)

employee tried to help me find it and it was in vain. (d)

C I Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create

a meaningful sentence. [1]

It’s inexpensive and requires no special equipment. It can easily fit in with your everyday
routine. Swimming burns up lots more calories per minute than running or cycling.

boost to your/running/provides/ also/a noticeable/self-esteem/confidence/and

ii. Read the conversation given below. Based on your reading, fill in the blanks appropriately.
[1+1]

Harshit: How long have you been living in Delhi?

Vipin: I have been living here for the last three years. My parents and I shall be leaving for
Mumbai soon as my father is posted there.
Harshit: When will you all be leaving?

Vipin: We will be leaving by the first week of next month

Harshit asked Vipin how long he had been living in Delhi. Vipin replied (a) He further
added that his parents and he would be leaving for Mumbai soon as his father was posted there.
Harshit asked him (b) . Vipin replied that they would be leaving by the
first week of the following month.

SECTION D : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)

8. Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for ANY TWO excerpts, of the
three, given. [8]

Read the extract carefully and answer the questions that follow:
A. That’s why I sing with panache
“Koo-oh-ah! ko-ash! ko-ash!”

118
 And the foghorn of the frog
Blared unrivalled through the bog.
a. How did the frog become unrivalled?
b. Which poetic device has been used in the third line of the extract?
c. The word which means the same as ‘confident and elegant’ from the extract is .
d. Mention the name of the poem and the poet of this extract.
B. Aye, you both say that because of what I’ve told you about leaving my money. Well,
since you don’t want me, I’ll go to someone that does.
a. Who is the speaker of these words?
b. Who are referred to as both in the above extract?
c. Why is the speaker insisting on going somewhere?
d. What does the decision of the speaker say about him?
C. Louisa Mebbin adopted a protective elder-sister attitude towards money in general,
irrespective ofnationality or denomination.
a. Who was Louisa Mebbin?

b. What was Louisa Mebbin’s attitude towards money?

c. The word in the extract is a synonym of citizenship.

d. Justify the usage of protective for Louisa Mebbin.

9. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in about 30- 40 words each [10]

(i) Why did the Ancient Mariner not let the guest go and attend the wedding? [2]

(ii) They were childish enough and in many ways quite artless. Who says it and why? [2]

(iii) Why does Lavinia feel that the Ouija Board would help her husband? [2]

(iv) What idea did Patol Babu have while rehearsing? Did the director approve of the idea?
[2]

(v) What kind of computers fascinated Michael and his dad? Why? [2]

(vi) Do you agree that Mrs and Mr Henry Slater loved Grandpa? Justify your answer. [2]

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 150 words. [8]

i.‘Not that I loved Caesar less, but I loved Rome more.’ Brutus says this as he justifies to the
Romans why Caesar was assassinated by them. Do you agree with Brutus? Justify your answer
in 150 words by giving examples from the play. What values does Brutus display as he says this
line to the Romans?

OR

119
 ii. But when the evening of his life was drawing in, he left his old ways and suddenly took a
turn. What was the change in Ali’s nature towards the end of his life? What was the
reason for this transformation? What values do we learn from his story?

MARKING SCHEME/ANSWER KEY -18

SECTION A- READING (22M)

Q1. READING COMPREHENSION 12M

(i) (c) Tourism is not sustainable and thus causing harm to the environment 1

(ii) The influx of a large number of tourists and the urgency to accommodate them1

(iii) For the construction of roads 1

(iv) True 1

(v) (d) All of the above 1

(vi) (a) unchecked tourism 1

(vii) (b) Consumers 1

(viii) ‘Millennials refer to people between 25-35 years of age. India’s tourism scenario is on
the rise because of the millennials as they are the local tourists who spend more time
and money on travel than the previous generations. 2

(ix) The consequence of large number of tourists leads to illegal infrastructural

constructions, Rise in pollution due to self-transportation etc (any two points from the
passage.
2

(x) (a) Option 1 ( 1)

2. Read the following report: 10 M

i (d) Large molecule polymers 1

ii b. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. 1

iii Plastic tend to absorb harmful chemicals from its surroundings. Therefore, it acts like a sponge

for persistent organic pollutants.” 1

iv Disposing of plastic properly for recycling or trash collection is important before it enters the

ocean because of its effect on sea life. It may endanger not only marine life but also affect

humans once it enters their food chain. 1

v Once plastic enters the environment, it lasts a long time. 1

vi d California and Indonesia 1

120
vii Most of the plastic that pollutes our oceans comes from land. flowing into the oceans through

sewers and rivers etc. Fishing and shipping are other causes of pollution. 2

viii mark may be given for any two relevant points. 2

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

3. E- MAIL 3M

from: yourname@gmail.com

to: sharmajschool@gmail.com

Cc:

date: October 20, 2024, 05:10 PM

subject:

Dear Mrs Sharma,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request permission to leave school
early on [specific date] due to [brief explanation of the reason, e.g., a medical appointment,
family obligation, etc.].

I understand the importance of attending all classes, and I assure you that I will make every effort
to catch up on any missed work. I appreciate your consideration of my request.

Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to your positive response.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

4. Write a factual description, in not more than 100 words, of a VIDEO GAME that you purchased
for yourself recently

SUGGESTED ANSWER (SAMPLE)

I recently purchased "Hogwarts Legacy," an open-world action RPG set in the Wizarding World of

Harry Potter. Players create their own character, attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and

Wizardry in the 1800s. The game features spellcasting, potion-making, and exploring iconic

locations like Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest. Players can engage in quests, battle magical

creatures, and uncover the mysteries of ancient magic. With immersive graphics and a rich

121
storyline, "Hogwarts Legacy" allows fans to experience life as a student in a beloved fantasy

universe while making choices that impact their journey.

5A. letter to editor 7M

Form (Sender’s address)

Date

Address of the addressee

Sir/Madam

Sub: .

[Content / Body of the letter in 3 or 4 paragraphs]

Para 1 - INTRODUCTION - the reason for writing the letter / main idea / problem

Para 2 - ELABORATION - WHAT is it?? Elaborate on it - HOW it helps / affects?? /Problem and its
causes and effects.

Para 3 - CONCLUSION - Suggestions / Remedies (minimum 2) Yours truly* (* Letter to the Editor)

Sender’s Sign [SENDER’S NAME]

OR

5B. FORMAL LETTER 7M

12 NM Flats,
Star Colony Hyderabad.
3 July 2024

The food Safety Officer

Hyderabad.
Sir
Sub: Complaint about street vendors.

I would like to draw your kind attention to the growing number of street vendors
who are selling adulterated food items which is causing a lot of problems to the people of my
colony.

122
 We all know that people are showing more interest in consuming food from hotels and
street vendors rather than eating home- made food. Those who are staying away from
family or working shifts find the food supplied by street vendors easy on their purse and
needs. But it is with great shock and unhappiness that I want to complain that many
street vendors are selling adulterated food items in their shops.
I request you kindly to visit my colony and check the food items that are being sold by
the street vendors and take severe action against those who are selling adulterated food.
This will help the innocent customers who depend on street vendors for their food and
those vendors who sell good quality food.

Yours sincerely
Sumathi
[SUMATHI]

6A. ARTICLE WRITING 8M

Suggested response points, of which some need to be reflected in the response: Introduction: 
Define inclusive education and its significance in promoting equitable access to quality education
for all students. Highlight the diversity of students' learning needs and the importance of
addressing these needs within the mainstream education system.

Benefits of inclusive education for students with diverse learning needs: Improved academic
outcomes-- how inclusive classrooms facilitate personalised learning experiences tailored to
individual students' abilities and strengths. Social and emotional development-- the positive
impact of inclusive environments on students' self-esteem, confidence, and sense of belonging.
Preparation for real-world experiences-- how inclusive education promotes empathy, collaboration, and
respect for diversity, essential skills for success in a globalised society.

Importance of fostering an inclusive school environment:

Promoting diversity and acceptance-- how inclusive schools celebrate differences and create a sense of
community where every student feels valued and respected.

Reducing stigma and discrimination-- the negative effects of segregation and exclusion on
students with disabilities or other learning differences, pointing towards the need for inclusive
practices to combat prejudice and stereotypes. Enhancing school culture and climate: How
inclusive environments promote positivity among students
OR

6B.SUGGESTED RESPONSE 8M

Schools plays a vital role in a child's life and education. It is an institution that not only imparts
academic knowledge but also helps in the overall development of a child. In this blog, we will
discuss the various roles of schools in a child's life and education.

Academic Development The primary role of a school is to provide a structured academic

environment that fosters the intellectual development of a child. Schools offer a variety of
courses
123
and subjects that are designed to teach students about different fields of study. These subjects
include math, science, social studies, language arts, and more.

Schools also provide students with a platform to showcase their academic skills through various
competitions, debates, and quizzes. This helps in building the confidence and self-esteem of a
child.

Social Development
Schools are also responsible for the social development of a child. A school provides a diverse
environment where students can interact with each other and learn to appreciate different
cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Schools also teach children important social skills such as communication, teamwork, and
leadership. These skills are crucial for a child's personal and professional development.

Emotional Development
Schools play a vital role in a child's emotional development. Teachers and staff are trained to
provide a supportive environment where children feel safe and secure. Schools also provide
counseling services to students who may be struggling with emotional or mental health issues.

Physical Development
Physical education is an essential part of a child's education. Schools offer sports programs and
physical education classes that help students stay active and healthy. Physical education also
teaches children about the importance of fitness, exercise, and healthy living.

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)

7. Complete the tasks A-C, as directed.

A. a- in, b – that, c – economic

B. In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheets,

remember to write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it, as

shown below. The first one has been done as an example. (4)

NO: TEXT WORD OMISSION WORD

BEFOR AFTER
E
Eg It is known fact that is a known

i Years before Elvis Presley became king of became the king

ii Rock and Roll, the story goes, he in a small he lived in

house
iii upon a hill had his elementary school hill and had
in northeastern
iv Mississippi and played other kids in a nearby played with other
field.

124
i. Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create a

meaningful sentence.

Ans. He has written about the evolution of modern Asia

ii. Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows. 1+1
a) Whether he had bought a zoom lens
b) He ran out of money

SECTION D : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)

8. Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for ANY TWO excerpts, of the t

hree given.

A (a) It refers to the remains of the statue

(b) Wreck here means that the statue was destroyed due to ravages of time, perhaps wars
and battles etc
(c) It was located in an ancient land.
(d) Alliteration (lone and level sands
B (a) Decius Brutus
(b) Calpurnia wants Caesar to tell a lie that he was sick and couldn’t go to the senate house.
(c) the other senators
(d) conquest
C. (a) Mrs. Packletide was an exceptional character who did not conform to the
usual human motivations of hunger and love. She was driven by her desire
for social status and recognition and also her hatred for Loona Bimberton,
her social rival.

(b) Mrs Packletide is an exception because her actions are driven by her dislike of
Loona Bimberton.
(c) she was jealous of Bimberton's wealth, social status, and fame
(d) It means 'in the world people's actions are either determined by hunger or love.
9. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions in about 30- 40 words each (10)

i. Caesar decided to go to the Senate House after Calpurnia revealed her fear because Decius
Brutus convinced him that Calpurnia's dream was a good omen, and Caesar didn't want to
miss his chance to become emperor
ii. The poem “Not Marble Nor Gilded Monuments” supports the idea that “pen is mightier than the
sword” by suggesting that art and literature are immortal and transcend time.

iii The Writer's Inspiration Bureau was formed by ghosts to help writers who were struggling to
come up with ideas for ghost stories.

125
Iv After condemning the ancient Mariner for killing the innocent and auspicious bird the mariners
completely changed their stand. Now they supported the old Mariner because the albatross had
brought fog and mist. They justified his act of killing such a bird. Their shifting stand shows that the
mariners were fickle minded. They had no ideology or strength of conviction

v. Two Gentlemen of Verona by A.J. Cronin promises hope for society by showing the
selflessness, nobility, and gentlemanliness of the two boys, Jacopo and Nicola.

vi. Michael is expressing his enthusiasm for the capabilities of modern technology such as
computers to help him experience and understand historical events and settings in a
better way. He is suggesting that as technology advances and becomes more futuristic, it
can allow people to have more vivid and realistic experiences that bring the past to life.
This could include using virtual reality technology to explore historical sites or playing
games that stimulate historical events.
10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 150 words. (8)

a. The best way to handle guilt is to take responsibility for your actions. We must commit
to making amends for all the wrong doings. We must always remember that while we
take responsibility for our thoughts and deeds, we are also worthy of forgiveness. Ali in
the lesson “THE LETTER” was a ruthless shikari he never had any sympathy for the birds
and animals that he killed. He, in fact, took pleasure in seeing his hunting trophies. He
never felt guilty but it is possible that the pain and suffering that he had to face was a
result of his acts. We also see that the post office officials were thoughtless and reckless.
They never took pains to understand Ali’s plight. They had no sympathy for him instead
they made fun of him. Lakshmi-Das got five golden guineas from coachman Ali for
delivering Miriam’s letter to his grave. It is evident that after this he was remorseful. He
felt guilty for the way he treated Ali.

b. The point of similarities between, The Frog and the Nightingale and Snake can be
brought by referring to the following:
1. Nature and the Natural World: Both poems focus on the natural world and its inhabitants.
‘The Frog and the Nightingale’ features a frog and a nightingale, while ‘Snake’ centers on a
snake. The poets use vivid descriptions and sensory imagery to bring these creatures and their
environments to life.
2. Human Intervention: Both poems touch upon the theme of human intervention in the

natural world. In ‘The Frog and the Nightingale,’ the frog’s manipulation of the nightingale’s

talent serves as a metaphor for exploitation and commercialization. In ‘Snake,’ the speaker

126
 must decide whether to allow the snake to drink from his water trough, highlighting the

human tendency to impose our will on nature.

While these thematic similarities exist, it’s important to note that the two poems have distinct

styles, tones, and messages. Vikram Seth’s ‘The Frog and the Nightingale’ is a fable-like poem

with a moral lesson, whereas D.H. Lawrence’s ‘Snake’ is a more introspective and complex

exploration of humans and instincts.

*************************************************

SAMPLE PAPER – 19

SECTION A: READING (22 marks)

I. Read the following passage.

For a layman only, something that is concrete has value and significance. That which cannot be
seen or that which has only symbolical significance has no value for him. Erroneous it is;
therefore, he believes in the saying that sword is mightier than the pen. They attach no value to
mind or intellect or the meaning of spirit. Understood literally pen has no power when compared
with the striking power of the sword. But here we have to use the word ‘pen’ with broader
meaning. Pen stands for that which is the symbol of ideas that come out of a writer’s pen, and it
is the power of those ideas that ultimately has greater power than arms or can ever wield. Battles
are fought with arms, but they have limited significance. They can hold territory for a time or win
a victory on a particular area. They have a limited effect in physical terms and are confined to a
particular period. The effects of ideas or literature is everlasting and immortal.

The messages of Buddha, Christ, Confucius, Gandhi ji are eternal and universal in their appeal.
There is a galaxy of writers, poets, philosophers and spiritual men and women whose messages
are valid for all time. The sword has a physical effect, it hardly affects the mind and the spirit,
while the pen affects the mind, the intellect and the spirit. The latter can shake the minds, hearts
and spirit of people in a desired way if only the wielder has the mastery of its use in the required
measure. Arms represent violence and they have in most cases a destructive effect. The pen or
literature must exercise a positive effect. The sword cuts, the pen may also cut by the use of irony
and satire, but the sword, if it lacks the desired effect, the pen may achieve the same, but once
again this superiority of the pen also lies in the fact that even where the sword has a desired
success is attained, the use of pen is necessary to consolidate that success.

The fact of superiority of the pen over the sword should not lead us to believe that the
sword has no value. Both have had a chequered history. When everything fails, either with sword
or the pen etc. fail, the use of arms is left the only alternative. Rama had ultimately to use force
to teach Ravan a lesson. Arms were used to ensure the victory of the good over the forces of
evil. If
127
the great war of Mahabharat had not been fought, the forces of evil which the Kauravas
represented would have continued to dominate the kingdom and the rule of justice and
righteousness could never have been established. That is why Lord Krishna had advised Arjun to
fight a violent war to annihilate the forces of evil and establish the rule of the right. In Indian
mythology, the supremacy of righteousness is to be achieved and once that is established by
good and justice and honesty to live together there seems no need for using force. When people
are forced to arms to regain their right or to achieve the right they have the sanction of not only
the society but even of religion. The American revolution had to fight a violent battle before it
could gain independence from British domination. This is how the concept of non-violence has
fallen flat. The state must possess its army and its arsenal. The super powers are feared and
respected because they possess the power of the sword in a far more measure than any other
country of the world. India could not have its voice heard in the comity of nations until it had
established military power of its own. The voice can be heard only when it represents a
combination of strength in arms and in ideas. It is heartening that China has succeeded in earning
respect and attention of such a mighty country as the United States of America because it has
been able to develop its military potential in a fair measure.

Even now we will do well if we realize sooner than later that the best way to keep India’s
freedom and sovereignty and territorial integrity intact is to have strong and unbreakable and
indestructible swords, that is, to strengthen itself militarily.

The above description of the importance and power of the sword should not, however, blind us
to the immense and unbreakable power possessed by the pen.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage given above:

1. According to the article, which of the following represents the broader meaning of the
word 'pen'? 1 mark

a) A tool for writing

b) The symbol of ideas that come out of a writer's pen

c) A physical object used in battle

d) An instrument of irony and satire

2. The messages of which historical figures are described as eternal and universal? 1 mark

a) Rama, Krishna, and Arjun

b) Buddha, Christ, Confucius, and Gandhiji

c) Napoleon, Hitler, and Robespierre

d) Franklin, Hamilton, and Jefferson

128
3. In the context of the article, what does the 'sword' symbolize? 1 mark

a) Ideas and intellect c) Justice and righteousness

b) Physical power and violence d) Peace and non-violence

4. What is considered essential for consolidating the success achieved by the sword,
according to the article? 1 mark

a) Military power c) The use of the pen

b) The use of arms d) Religious sanction

5. How does the article contrast the effects of the pen and the sword on people's minds and
spirits?2 marks

6. What role does the article suggest the pen played in significant historical events such as
the American and French revolutions? 2 marks

7. Based on the article, why might the author believe that the pen has a more lasting impact
than the sword? 2 marks

8. What does the word "chequered" mean in the context of the article? 1 mark

a) Mixed or varied, with both successes and failures

b) Completely successful or achievements

c) Totally failed or disappointing

d) Unchanged or static

9. Define the term "comity of nations" as used in the article. 1 mark

II. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Marks-10

1. India is a country of many languages. The constitution recognizes 22 languages officially,

but over 121 unique languages have been identified in the country.

2. To preserve and encourage the literary function of language, the government introduced
'classical languages' in 2004. According to the Ministry of Culture, a classical language is
one that is at least 1,500 years old and has ancient, valuable literature recorded in it.
Further, such a language is original and not derived from another language. Based on these
guidelines, six languages have been classified as classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit,
Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Odia.

3. The following graph shows the percentage of Indian people whose mother tongue is a
classical language. This is as per data collected by the census of 2011. The census was not
conducted in 2021 due to the pandemic.

129
 1. According to the graph, around 6.7% of the Indian population are native speakers of
Telugu, whereas Sanskrit has been identified as a mother tongue by only 0.002% of the
population, which is around 24,821 people. Malayalam has the second lowest number of
native speakers, making up about 2.9% of Indians.

4. The 2011 census data also noted that a majority of the native speakers reside in the area
where their mother tongue originated. For example, 93% of Kannada speakers live in
Karnataka. Similarly, 93% of Malayalam speakers live in Kerala.

5. Balancing the preservation of culture and inclusivity is a delicate equation for a

heterogeneous country like India. With growing awareness, concepts like 'classical
languages' may help us achieve harmony.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:

A. Which of these pieces of information can be confirmed by reading the passage?

1 mark

(I) The number of people in India who speak

Tamil.

(II) Where the majority of native Sanskrit speakers live.

(III) The reason Malayalam is considered a classical language.

(IV) When the idea of classical languages was introduced in India.

(i) Only (I)

(ii) Only (IV)

(iii) Only (I) and (II)

(iv) Only (III) and (IV)

B. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets. Based on the
passage, the (functional/historical) value of a language is of utmost
importance while (preserving / categorizing) it as a classical language. 1 mark
130
 C. Imagine that a committee was formed to ensure that classical languages have more
native speakers by the time the next census is conducted. Answer the following
questions to help the committee achieve its objective. 2 marks

(i) Which classical language needs its attention most urgently and why?

(ii) Which classical language would be THIRD on its priority?

D. State an example from the passage that shows that India is a 'heterogeneous
country'. Answer in one sentence.1 mark

E. Why has the writer stated the following line in the passage? Give a reason. The census
was not conducted in 2021 due to the pandemic. 2 marks

F. Complete the sentence based on information from the passage. 1 mark

If Tamil originated from Tamil Nadu, we can infer that of the native Tamil speakers
would be living in Tamil Nadu.

G. Which of these hypothetical situations would help India achieve harmony? 1 mark

(i) If the majority of Indians who speak a classical language are settled abroad

(ii) If more languages from remote and tribal areas of India are identified as classical
languages

(iii) If the percentage of Indians who are native Telugu speakers increases to
more than 10 percent.

H. Which of these sentences uses 'delicate' in the same way as paragraph (6) does?

1 mark

(i) She looked beautiful in the dress with the delicate floral pattern.

(ii) He was frequently admitted to the hospital due to his delicate health.

(iii) This discussion will require careful consideration as it is a delicate matter.

(iv) Please handle these delicate items carefully during transportation as they break easily.

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

3. You were a student of class X and you recently passed your board exams. Now you wish to join
some other school. Write an e mail, in about 50 words, to your principal, requesting him/her to
issue your TC. You may copy the given template to write your email. 3 marks

131
4. Write a factual description, in not more than 100 words, of your classroom which you have
decorated recently. 4 marks

5(A). Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper, about the survey reviews that most of a health-
related problem are due to over fascination with modern gadgets like smartphones, laptops,
television and scrolling through social media. Using your own ideas and the unit, ‘Science’, write
the letter in 100-120words. 7 marks

OR

5(B). You know that playing sports and games develop us physically, mentally and socially.
However, facilities for sports and games are very poor in your city. Write a letter to the Municipal
Commissioner of your city complaining about this and requesting her/him to provide more such
facilities for the town's residents. Use ideas from the MCB unit on "Health and Medicine' and
your
own ideas in
from:
120
to: words.
You are
date: February 20, 2024, 05:10 PM

subject:
Mahipal/ Meena of 224, Hassanpur, Saharanpur.
7 marks

6(A). Based on your understanding of inclusive education from this section, write an article on the
topic-- 'INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IS NOT AN ALTERNATIVE BUT AN INEVITABILITY ‘, for publication
in
your school magazine. You may keep the following factors affecting Inclusive Education in mind:
8 marks

 Attitude of parents, teachers, classmates and the society

 Physical support

 Curriculum support

 Teacher support

 Policy support

 Infrastructure

OR

6(B). Space tourism, though in its early stages, is a reality. As Jagmeet Singh of class X-D, write an
article for your school magazine, in about 150 words, discussing the opportunities and challenges
132
of space tourism, the ethical considerations surrounding it and how it might impact society. Use
the given cues, along with your own ideas and those you may have gathered from

Unit 3: Science, to create this article. 8 marks

 Safety concerns and potential accidents in space tourism

 Space debris and the need for responsible space traffic management

Turning space into a commodity: the ethics of commercializing space

 Ensuring equality and access to space tourism opportunities


Promoting responsible and sustainable practices in space tourism

 Balancing economic opportunities with environmental and social responsibility

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)

6. Complete the tasks (A) to (C), as directed

A) Read the passage given below. Fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate
word/phrases from the given options. 3X1=3

One of the (a) problems facing the world today is global warming. Many scientists believe
that our production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is having a heating effect on
the atmosphere and this (b) be very dangerous for human life. We (c) examine the
problem of global warming and suggest some ways of solving it..

(a) i) major ii) minor iii) environmental iv) socio-economic

(b) i) could ii) may iii) might iv) would

(c) i) must ii) should iii) need to iv) have to

B) The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the
incorrect word and the correction in your answer sheet against the correct question
number. 4 marks

Error Correction

Madhubani Painting is one in the many traditional

Indian art forms. It is but known as Mithila or Godhna

Paintings. This art developed by Mithila or Madhubani

133
 district of Bihar or then spread to villages around

Madhubani

C) Do as directed. 3 marks

a) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases to create a Meaningful sentence.

Extremely/a/grief/it/is/that matter/unkindly/animals/are/of exploited. (1 mark)

b) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows. (2 marks)

Marie: Did you see my new umbrella? Isn’t it fine?

Tony: Yes, it is! Did you buy it from the mall?

Marie: No, your father has brought it for me.

Marie asked her son Tony (i)................and she wanted to know whether it was a fine one. Tony
agreed and asked his mother (ii)................His mother replied in the negative and added that his
father had brought it for her.

SECTION D- LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)

(A). Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for any two excerpts, of

the three, given. 4X1=4

"...the villagers anxious for their thousand rupees, gladly convinced at the fiction that she had
shot the beast."

(a) What is the 'fiction' being referred to in these lines?

(b) What was the truth?

(c) Who discovered the truth?

(d) write the meaning of ‘anxious’.

(B). O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason. Bear with
me; My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me.

4X1=4

First Citizen: Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.

Second Citizen: If thou consider rightly of the matter,

Caesar has had great wrong. (Julius Caesar)

134
 i. What does the phrase ‘O judgment ! thou art fled to brutish beasts’ tell us about the
speaker’s thoughts?

ii. Select the line that indicates the speaker's deep grief and emotional connection with
Caesar.

iii. What do the responses of the First and Second Citizens reflect about the impact of the
speaker's words?

iv. What about the extract signifies shifting sentiments among the citizens?

(C) He moved up to the office beyond the pan shop and sat down on the steps. It was nearly half-
past nine. On Sunday mornings, songs in praise of goddess Kali were sung in Karali
Babu’s house. Patol Babu went there every week and enjoyed it. What if he were to go
these useless people, and be made to look foolish on top of that? ‘Silence’! Stuff and
nonsense! to hell with your ‘silence’! They had put up this pompous show for something so
trivial Things were much better on the stage. 4X1=4

i) Choose the option that describes the main reason which was the trigger for Patol Babu’s chain
of thought that made him question his presence at the film shoot.
It was the fact that .
A. he was missing his duty towards God to fulfill a personal desire
B. he was with strangers instead of spending time with loved ones
C. he was wasting time on free volunteer work instead of earning money
D. he was wasting a great Sunday on doing something so small and insignificant (Patol Babu)

ii) Choose the correct option.

Assertion: Patol babu Felt silly for getting his hopes high.

Reason: He was convinced that he could never be a successful actor.

A. Assertion is true but the reason is false.

B. Both Assertion and Reason are false.

C. . Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation

of Assertion.

D. Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of

Assertion

iii) Patol Babu thought that Things were much better on the stage, because .

A. theater had better monetary rewards.

B. the actors could see the response of the audience instantly.

C. he delivered long dialogues and got important roles.

135
D. theater was more suited to his talents as an actor.

iv) Infer Patol Babu’s tone as reflected in the extract.

A. sarcastic and worried

B. angry and regretful

C. serious and threatening

D. ironic and solemn

9. Answer any five of the following six questions in about 40 words each. 5 X 2 = 10

A. Which are the different ways in which the frog asserts his importance in the poem ‘The
frog and the Nightingale’ .

B. Interpret imagery and symbolism in ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’, as elements that
contribute to the poem's overarching themes of retribution and redemption.

C. How does Lawrence explore the internal conflict in Snake?

D. ‘The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.’ Elaborate as per the drama
‘Julius Ceasar’.

E. Explain why Ozymandias’ boast could never be justified.

F. Evaluate how The Letter by Dhumaketu portrays the impact of separation on human
emotions.

10. Answer any one of the following two questions in about 150 words. 1X8=8

A. Do you think the computer games like the ones Shultz and Michael played can be used
to teach or inculcate positive values among children? Give reasons in support of your
answer.

Or

B. Imagine that the mariner hears of Mrs Packletide's hunt and decides to share some advice
with her about the impact of willfully killing creatures. As the mariner, write this letter, in
about 150 words, to Mrs Packletide , based on the consequences following your own
experience of having killed a creature intentionally.(The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and
Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger)

***************************************************************

136
 MARKING SCHEME -9

1 Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

12 I b) The symbol of ideas that come out of a writer's pen 1

II b) Buddha, Christ, Confucius, and Gandhiji 1

III . b) Physical power and violence 1

IV c) The use of the pen 1

V The pen affects the mind, intellect, and spirit, while the sword has a physical effect. 2

VI The pen played a crucial role in spreading ideas and inspiring change during these revolutions..
2

VII . The author believes the pen has a more lasting impact than the sword because ideas and
literature can inspire change and have a lasting impact on people's minds and spirits. 2

VIII ."Chequered" means having a mixed or varied history. 1

IX . "Comity of nations" refers to the community of nations or the international

Community 1

2 Answer the following questions, based on the report above. 10

a ) (iv) Only (III) and (IV) 1

b historical; preserving 1

c (i) Sanskrit needs attention most urgently because it has the lowest number of

native speakers.

(ii) Malayalam would be third on its priority. 2

d The fact that India has 121 unique languages and 22 officially recognized languages shows it is
a heterogeneous country. 1

e The writer states this to explain why there is no more recent census data. 2

f ...more than 90% of the native Tamil speakers would be living in Tamil Nadu. 1

g (ii) if more languages from remote and tribal areas of India are identified as classical languages
1

h (iii) This discussion will require careful consideration as it is a delicate matter. 1

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS (22 marks)

Note : All names and addresses of places and organisations used, are fictitious.

137
3 Suggested response:

from:

to: principal.vjschool@gmail.com

date: February 20, 2024, 05:10 PM

subject: Request for Transfer Certificate

Dear Madam/Sir

I am writing to request my Transfer Certificate as I have decided to join another school. I have
recently passed my Class X board exams. Please issue my TC at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your consideration. Warm regards

Yours sincerely

ABC , X-C

4 Suggested response sample:

Our classroom, recently decorated, exudes warmth and vibrancy. Colorful charts and posters
adorn the walls, while neatly arranged desks and chairs create a conducive learning
environment. The soft board displays inspirational quotes, and the whiteboard shines with
fresh markers. Plants add a touch of greenery, promoting a sense of calm. The classroom library
boasts an impressive collection of books, inviting students to explore new worlds.

5A Suggested response points, of which some need to be reflected in the response:

To,

The Editor,

[Newspaper Name],

[Date]

Subject: The Hidden Dangers of Modern Gadgets

Dear Sir/Madam,

A recent survey has revealed a disturbing trend - our obsession with modern gadgets is taking a
severe toll on our health. The constant glare of smartphones, laptops, and television screens is
leading to increased cases of insomnia, eye strain, and headaches. Moreover, excessive social
media scrolling is causing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

138
It's imperative we recognize the risks and adopt responsible usage habits. Parents should limit
screen time for children, and individuals should prioritize outdoor activities and digital detox.
By taking these steps, we can mitigate the harmful effects of modern gadgets and cultivate a
healthier lifestyle.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

(name)

OR

5B Suggested response points, of which some need to be reflected in the

response:

Sender’s address

Date[Current Date]

To,

Municipal Commissioner,

Saharanpur Municipal Corporation,

Saharanpur.

Subject: Poor Sports Facilities in Saharanpur

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to bring to your attention the inadequate sports facilities in our city. As a resident
of Hassanpur, I have observed that the existing infrastructure is insufficient, outdated, and
poorly maintained. This hampers the physical, mental, and social development of our youth.

I request you to:

1. Develop more playgrounds, stadiums, and sports complexes.

2. Upgrade existing infrastructure.

3. Provide trained coaches and equipment.

4. Organize regular sports events.

Improved sports facilities will promote healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and community
engagement. I urge you to address this issue promptly.

139
Yours Sincerely,

Mahipal/Meena

224, Hassanpur,

Saharanpur.

6A

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IS NOT AN ALTERNATIVE BUT AN INEVITABILITY

Inclusive education is no longer a choice, but a necessity. It ensures every student, regardless of
abilities, receives quality education.However, attitudes of parents, teachers, classmates, and
society often create barriers. Physical support, such as accessible infrastructure, and

curriculum support, like tailored learning materials, are crucial. Trained teachers and policy
support are essential for successful implementation. Benefits of inclusive education include
enhanced social skills, improved academic performance, and increased self-esteem.

To make inclusive education a reality, we must promote awareness, invest in infrastructure,

and provide ongoing teacher training. By embracing diversity and addressing barriers, we can
create a truly inclusive learning environment.

Let's break down barriers and build a future where every student thrives.

Inclusive education is not just a moral obligation, but a fundamental

right.

OR

6B Reaching for the Stars: The Promise and Pitfalls of Space Tourism

As space tourism takes off, excitement and concerns abound. On one hand, it offers
unparalleled experiences, scientific discoveries, and economic opportunities. On the other,
safety concerns, space debris, and ethical dilemmas arise. Safety risks and potential accidents
in space threaten human lives. Moreover, irresponsible space traffic management exacerbates
debris accumulation, jeopardizing future explorations. Commercializing space raises questions
about equality and access. Will space tourism become an elite privilege or be made accessible
to all?

To ensure responsible space tourism, we must prioritize sustainable practices, balancing

economic gains with environmental and social responsibility.

As we venture into the cosmos, let's remember:

- Safety and sustainability must be top priorities.

- Space debris management is crucial.

- Equal access and affordability should be ensured.

140
- Ethics and regulations must guide commercialization.

141
By embracing responsible space tourism, we can unlock its potential while protecting our
celestial heritage.

- Jagmeet Singh, Class X-

SECTION C: GRAMMAR (10 marks)

7 Complete the tasks (A) to (C), as

directed A Gap-fill 3x1=3

(a) i) major

(b) i) could

(c) i) must

B Error correction

a) [Error: one; Correction: one of]

b) [Error: but; Correction: also]

c) [Error: of; Correction: in]

d) [Error: or; Correction: and]

C Reordering & Transformation 3x1=3

a) Rearranged sentence: "It is extremely unkind that animals are exploited, a matter of

grief."

II (i) Marie asked her son Tony if he had seen her new umbrella and she wanted to know

whether it was a fine one.

(ii) Tony agreed and asked his mother if she had bought it from the mall.

SECTION D: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (26 marks)

8 Read the given excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for any two

excerpts, of the three, given. 2x4=8m

(A) I It refers to the fact that the truth was something else altogether

II The truth was that the tiger had actually died of a heart attack and had not been shot by Mrs
Packletide.

III Louisa Mebbin, the paid companion of Mrs Packletide discovered the

truth.. IV Eager,enthusiastic, excited, etc

142
(B) I The phrase indicates that the speaker, Mark Antony, believes justice and rational thinking
have been abandoned, and humans have descended to a primitive, animal-like state, devoid of
reason and morality.

II The line "My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar

III Their remarks show that they are beginning to question the justice of Caesar's assassination,
suggesting that the speaker's emotional appeal is having an effect.

IV The line -Caesar has had great wrong- indicates that they began to view Caesar's
assassination as an act of injustice.

(C) I D. he was wasting a great Sunday on doing something so small and

insignificant II A. Assertion is true but the reason is false.

III D. theater was more suited to his talents as an actor.

IV B. angry and regretful

9 Short Answer Questions (five of six) 5x2=10

Sample suggested responses:

I The different ways in which frog asserts his importance are:1) He pretended to be a great

singer and owner of the sumac tree. 2) He said that he was the reporter of Bog Trumpet.

He writes songs for Bog Trumpet. 3) He boasted that he was a music critic and a musician

like Mozart and was ready to train nightingale

II The albatross, initially a symbol of nature's grace, becomes a burden when the Mariner

kills it, representing his guilt. The ship's desolate imagery and the ghostly events reflect

retribution for his actions. The eventual removal of the albatross and the Mariner's

compulsion to share his tale symbolise redemption, illustrating his transformation through

suffering and penance.

III In the poem "Snake," D.H. Lawrence explores the conflict between civilization and

natural human instincts. Through vivid imagery and descriptive language, Lawrence

presents the tension between education, societal norms, and the allure of the natural

world.

IV Graves opened and the dead bodies came out of them. These ill-omens and horrid

sights were most unnatural. The shooting of comets 'blaze forth the death of princes'.

These omens from the 'heavens' signal the death of Caesar.

143
V Shakespeare illustrates that while physical monuments may decay, poetry can

immortalize memories. He has built his statue which show that he was a vain & arrogant

king . But

with the passage of time everything destroy . His statue which was full of his arrogant &

boastful nature was laying on the ground

VI It poignantly captures the emotional turmoil caused by separation. The story revolves

around Ali, an old man who longs for a letter from his daughter, Miriam. His daily visits to

the post office and eventual death without receiving the letter highlight the profound

loneliness and yearning that separation can cause.

10 Long Answer Question (one of two) 1x8=8

I Yes, computer games can be used to teach and inculcate positive values among

children. Here's why:

Reasons in support:

1. Engaging and interactive: Games capture children's attention, making learning

enjoyable and interactive.

2. Simulation-based learning: Games can simulate real-life situations, teaching decision-

making, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

3. Value-based games: Many games explicitly focus on values like

empathy, cooperation, and self-control.

4. Social skills development: Multiplayer games foster teamwork, communication,

and conflict resolution

5. By leveraging educational games and parental guidance, computer games can

become a valuable tool for teaching and inculcating positive values among children.

II The advice might include the following points:

1. The mariner would advise Mrs Packletide to consider the consequences of her

actions. In the poem, the mariner kills an albatross and brings a curse upon himself and

his crew. He learns the hard way that our actions often have unintended consequences.

2. He would also advise Mrs Packletide to respect the creatures she encounters. In the

144
poem, the mariner does appreciate the beauty of the albatross. He might encourage

Mrs

145
 Packletide to see the tiger as a majestic creature that deserves to be valued and

respected rather than simply a trophy to be mounted on her wall.

3. Additionally, the mariner might encourage Mrs Packletide to think about the value

of life. He might caution Mrs Packletide against taking life lightly and encourage her to

consider the value of the tiger's life before taking it.

4. Finally, the mariner might advise Mrs Packletide to be mindful of her impact on the

world around her. In the poem, the mariner's actions have far-reaching consequences,

affecting not just himself and his crew. He might encourage Mrs Packletide to think about

how her actions affect the world around her and to strive to make a positive impact rather

than a negative one.

SAMPLE PAPER 20

SECTION A READING SKILLS 22 MARKS

Q1. READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE 12M

i. The road to success is not straight; there is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion,
speed bumps called friends, caution lights called family, and you will have flats called
jobs. But, if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverance,
insurance called faith, and a driver called God, you will make it to a place called success!
In spite of all our planning and preparation, unexpected challenges are certain to arise.
The bumps in the road are unavoidable, but you’ll never get to your destination if you
aren’t willing to drive over them. The difference between a disaster and triumph lies in
whether or not you’re prepared and willing to weather the storm. If you’re ready, those
bumps will become stepping-stones.

ii. The key thing to realize is that working harder is same as working smarter. How do you
work smarter? You just need to have the right skills. People want improved
circumstances and better life without an improved self. They want victory without paying
the price or making efforts. It really cannot happen without the other. Any
improvements that have not been generated by improving yourself are superficial and
short-lived. If you want to have a better future, you have to change yourself. Stop
worrying about the various challenges that will come your way. Just believe in yourself
and use them as stepping-stones.

iii. “Success” is getting whatever you want out of life without violating the rights of others.
It is not an accident Success is the result of our attitude and our attitude is a choice.
Hence success is a matter of choice and not chance. Today success represents a holistic
and positive attitude to life. Attitude is everything. Success is not restricted within some

146
 kind of brick and mortar premises. It assumes the individuality of a complete act
executed with perfection; material achievements do not define life. We don’t remember
sports stars for the products they endorse but the spirit of achievement they represent.
In the abundance of positive attitude underline the grandeur of a truly rewarding rich
life.
iv. Success can be measured from two standpoints—the external and the internal.
Externally it is the measure of a job well done and recognition. Internally it is the feeling
of achievement and wholeness derived from the completion of a task or fulfilment of
desire.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions.

i. The internal measure of our success is the feeling of achievement : 1m

(a) from the completion of a task.
(b) from the fulfilment of desire.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)

ii. In paragraph 1, `unexpected challenges’ refers to: 1m

(a) financial problem
(b) health problem
(c) lack of time
(d) All of these

iii. “If you are ready, those bumps will become stepping-stones.” Through this sentence 1m
the writer tells us to:
(a) ignore ups and downs while working to achieve our goal.
(b) work with a proper plan to achieve our goal.
(c) focus only on our goal and ignore all responsibilities.
(d) take all challenges with strong determination.

iv. In order to work smarter, we must have: 1m

(a) improved circumstances.
(b) right skills.
(c) better life.
(d) All of these

v. If we want to have a better future, we have to: 1m

(a) change ourselves.
(b) stop worrying about the various challenges.
(c) believe in ourselves.
(d) All of these

147
 vi. (Select the option that makes the correct use of ‘destination’ as used in paragraph 1. 1m
(a) We will reach our destination by 6 o’clock.
(b) She is working hard to reach her destination.
(c) Shimla is her favourite destination.
(d) The cinema hall is the largest entertainment destination in the city.

vii According to the passage, success can be achieved by working smarter not diligently. 1m
(True/False)
viii The synonym of the word ‘viewpoint’ as given in paragraph 3 is ………… 1m

ix Which one of the following quotes captures the central idea of the passage? 2m
a. It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. —
Herman Melville
b. Success is not final; failure is not total. It is the courage to continue that
counts. —Winston Churchill
c. The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly
the same. — Colin R. Davis
d. Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for
it. —Henry David
x. How can success be measured? Externally and the internally. 2m

Q2. Read the table given below and answer the questions that follow: 10M

SPENDING
NAME MOTTO INR AGENDA OF MODE OF SUPPORTERS
ELECTIONS CAMPAIGN

ARYAN For the people 10,000,000 Educatio Social Media Youth

n
Reform

PRIYA Progress of all 15,000,000 Infrastructu Rallies Business

ral and Communi
Developme Speeches ty
nt

ROHIT A better future 20,000,000 Job creation Door to Working Class

and Door
Economic Campaign
growth

148
SUNITA Equality 25,000,000 Social TV and Women
and Justice welfare Radio ads and
Programs Minorities

MEERA Sustainable 30,000,000 Environment Flyers Environmentalis

Developme al Protection and ts
nt and Green Posters
Energy

Answer the following questions based on the given table:

i. Describe the agenda of election and mode of campaign for Aryan and Priya according 2m
to the table.
ii. Which contestant has the motto “A better future”? [1] 1m
(A) Aryan (B) Priya (C) Rohit (D) Sunita
iii. Compare the ‘spending’ and ‘supporters’ of Rohit and Sunita as per the table 2m
iv. Aryan : “For the people”:: Meera : ………… 1m
v. Which contestant has the highest spending according to the table? 1m
vi. According to the table, the agenda of election for Meera is ………. 1m
vii. Explain how the motto, spending, and supporters of Rohit are represented in the table 1m
(A) Rohit’s motto is “A better future”, his spending is 20,000,000 INR, and his
supporters are the working class.
(B) Rohit’s motto is “Equality and justice”, his spending is 25,000,000 INR, and his
supporters are women and minorities.
(C) Rohit’s motto is “Sustainable development”, his spending is 30,000,000 INR, and
his supporters are environmentalists.

viii. Match the following contestants with their mode of campaign: [1] 1m
(A) Aryan – 1. TV and radio ads
(B) Priya – 2. Social media
(C) Rohit – 3. Rallies and speeches
(D) Sunita – 4. Door-to-door campaigning

WRITING SKILLS 22 MARKS

Q3. Write an email to your games in charge requesting him to nominate you as the captain 3M
of the college football team. You are Naveen/Novena of class X

Q4. To promote healthy eating habits amongst school children your school recently 4M
organized a ‘Nutritious Food and Snacks Competition’. The competition was open to
both parents and students. The participation was very encouraging. The famous

149
 nutrition expert, Dr Shikha Sharma was the chief guest. As Anil, the student editor of
your school magazine,, write a report about this event in 100 words.

Q5. A. Write a letter to the Tours Manager, Ashoka Tours and Travels, Bangalore, in not 7M
more than 120 words, seeking information regarding the tour packages offered by
the company. You are Mr. Ajay/Anjali Mittal from Chandigarh, Punjab, who is
planning to visit all the holy places of South India with your aged mother and father
for a month this September. You may use ideas from MCB unit 5 : Travel and
Tourism. OR
B.The main park in your locality is in a state of utter neglect. The gates of the park are
broken and the greenery has almost vanished. The employees responsible for the
upkeep of the park are seldom seen doing their assigned duties. Write a letter to
the Director, Horticulture Department, Meerut, complaining about the problem
and requesting him to take appropriate action. You are Brij Kishore/Gopa, a
resident of Kishore Nagar, Meerut. You may use ideas from MCB Unit 4 :
Environment. (120 words)

Q6. A. Based on your understanding of Inclusive Education , write an article on the 8M

topic”Inclusive Education is not an alternative but an inevitability’ for publication in
your school magazine. You may keep the following factors affecting Inclusive
Education in mind.
Attitude of Parents, teachers, classmates, society.
Physical support, curriculum, teacher support, Policies and infrastructure.
OR
B. Write an article for your school magazine on ‘Celebrating Diversity but Working for
unity’ in 150 words with the help of the clues given below.

I. What is Diversity? II. What is Unity? III. How to create a balance between the
two?
Q7 GRAMMAR 10 MARKS
A Gap filling 3m
Cardamom, the Queen of all spices, has a history as old as (i)...............(an/the/that)
human race. It is the dried fruit of a herbaceous perennial plant. Two types of
cardamom (ii)..................(is/ being/are) produced in India. The first type is the large
one, (iii)..................(who/this/which) has not much significance as it is not traded in
the future market. It is cultivated in North-eastern area of the country.
B Editing 4m

Error correction
Banana is an popular fruit and a) --------------- ----------------
an important part to our diet today. b) --------------- ----------------
It originally belonged in South Asia c) --------------- ----------------
region where it using to grow wild d) --------------- ----------------
in the forests.

150
C Do as directed. 1m

(i) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given information to make
meaningful sentences. (1)

Physical Education is imparted in playgrounds and on campus.

games/student/is/by/it/method/which/through/a/activities/a/goes/and/physical.

Report the dialogues to complete the paragraphs that follow: (1 + 1) 2m

(ii)
Madhavi: You seem so tired. Take some rest.
Jay: I can’t even think of relaxing. I have a project to complete.
Madhavi: You should not take so much of stress.
Jay: Don’t worry. I will complete it easily.

Madhavi said to jay that …………… (a) …………..

Jay replied that ………………(b) …………….
Madhavi advised him not to take so much of stress.
Jay told madhavi not to worry and that he would complete it easily.
LITERATURE TEXT - 26 MARKS

Read the given excerpts and answer ANY TWO of the questions briefly (4 + 4) 8M
Q8.

(A) ”Whose frown 8

And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read.”(Ozymandias)

1. Whose face lies on the sand?

2. What sort of expression did the face have?
3. Who read the passions well?
4. Name the poem and poet of the above lines?

(B) “My credit now stands on such slippery ground,

That one of two bad ways you must conceit me,
Either a coward of a flatterer.
That I did love thee, Caesar, O, ’tis true.”
(Julius Caesar)

1. Who is speaking to whom?

2. What does slippery ground stand for?
3. Why does the speaker say so?
4. What does the word ‘Coward’ mean?

151
 (C). In the grey sky of early dawn, stars still glowed, as happy memories light up a life
that is nearing its close. An old man was walking through the town, now and from
the cold and biting wind.” again drawing his tattered clothes tighter to shield his
body. (The Letter)
1. Whose life is drawing to a close?
2. Where is he going?
3. Why is he going there?
4. What does this show about his character?
Answer Any Five of the following six questions in about 30-40 words each. (5 × 2 ) 10M
Q9.

State one aspect that might have led the narrator to think that the boys must be
i. saving to emigrate to America. (Two Gentlemen of Verona)

Why did the news of the ‘Miracle Recovery’ shock Michael? (Virtually True)
ii.

The poet had a dual attitude towards the snake. Why does he experience conflicting
iii. emotions on seeing the snake? (Snake)

Who was Mr. Pakrashi? How do his words help Patol Babu in enacting his role? (Patol
iv. Babu)

“The incidental expenses are so heavy.”she confides to inquiring friends. Who is the
v. speaker and what is referring to here? ( Ms.Packletide’s Tiger)

Why did Calpurnia try to prevent Caesar from going to the Senate House? Did she
vi. succeed in her attempt? ( Julius Caesar)

Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 150 words. [8] 8M
Q10.

In what ways does Ali’s character in ‘The Letter’ by Dhumketu embody the themes of
love, devotion, hope, and perseverance? Can you provide specific instances from the
story to support your answer?

OR

In Stanley Houghton’s play ‘The Dear Departed,’ how does the author employ satire
and irony to critique societal values and family dynamics surrounding death and
inheritance? Provide specific examples from the play to support your answer.

152
 ANSWER KEY TO SAMPLE PAPER – 10

Q.1 Reading Passage

12M Answers:
(i)(c) Both (a) and (b) 1m
(ii) (d) All of these 1m
(iii) (d) take all challenges with strong determination.1m
(iv) (b) right skills 1m
(v) (d) All of these 1m
(vi) (b) She is working hard to reach her destination (vii) (c) Both (a) and (b) 1m
(vii) False 1m
(viii) attitude 1m
(ix) b 2m
(x) Externally it is the measure of a job well done and recognition. Internally it is the feeling of
achievement and wholeness derived from the completion of a task or fulfilment of desire.2m

Q.2 Reading Passage

I. According to the table, Aryan’s agenda ofelectionis education reform and his mode of campaign
is social media. Priya’s agenda of election is infrastructure development and her mode of
campaign is rallies and speeches.2m
II. (C) Rohit 1m
III. According to the table, Rohit’s spending is 20,000,000 INR and his supporters are the working
class. Sunita’s spending is 25,000,000 INR and her supporters are
women and minorities. 2m
IV. Aryan : “For the people” :: Meera : “Sustainable development”1m
V. According to the table, Meera has the highest spending at 30,000,000 INR. 1m
VI. According to the table, the agenda of election for Meera is environmental protection and green
energy.1m
VII. (A) Rohit’s motto is “A better future”, his spending is 20,000,000 INR, and his supporters are the
working class.1m
VIII. The correct matches are:1m
Aryan – 2. Social media,
Priya – 3. Rallies and speeches,
Rohit – 4. Door-to-door campaigning,
Sunita – 1. TV and radio ads.

Writing Skills [22 Marks]

Q.3 email 3M
Date 1 nov 2024
From naveen@gmail.com
To peter123@gmail.com
CC
BCC
Subject Request for nomination as captain of football team

Respected Sir/Ma’am

This is to inform you that I am naveen of Class X of your school. As you know, I am an active
member of the sports team of the college and take part in the games actively. I am a good

153
footballer and that’s why I request you to nominate me the captain of the college football team.
I have good coordination with almost all my teammates and this will help me lead them better. I
hope you will consider me as the captain of the football team.
Eagerly waiting for your response.

Yours obediently
XYZ
Class X
Q4. Factual Description 4M

Secrets To Healthy Snacking

– Anil, XA
Hundreds of parents and students participated in ‘Nutritious Food and Snacks Competition’ organized
by Vaibhav Public School, Hastinapur, yesterday, to increase awareness about healthy eating habits.
The awareness campaign was aimed at both students, who snack by grabbing burgers, fries, potato
chips, or chocolates, as well as for parents, who are juggling busy schedules where fast food becomes
a convenient option. The school organized a Healthy Cooking Competition wherein all recipes
involved healthy food like salads, whole-grain bread, and roasted snacks.
The winner amongst parents was Ms. Neeru Mittal and amongst students was Noor Ali Kajani of XII B.
The eminent nutrition expert, Dr. Shikha, the chief guest said, ‘When it comes to smart snacking,
think small portions, think healthy potions! ’ This competition was an eye-opener for one and all.


Q 5.(A) 7 M
1/1, Mittal’s Villa
Rani Bagh
Chandigarh
12th March, 20XX
The Tours Manager
Ashoka Tours and Travels
Kalasipalayam North-Bangalore
Karnataka-777777

Subject : Seeking Information about Your Tour Packages

Sir/Madam
This is about your advertisement in the daily newspaper about the South India Pilgrim tour. I am
planning to take my parents on a visit to all the Hindu temples and Churches. We also wish to visit
Thekkadi and backwaters in Kerala.
Kindly tell me the details regarding the places you cover in your pilgrim packages and the mode of
transport that you provide for the same. We prefer hygienic buses or cars with working Air
Conditioners. We would be all alright with a three-star stay. We wish to be provided with strictly
vegetarian meals. Hence, kindly inform us of the details of your charges for stay food, and travel,
all separately. Looking forward to the earliest reply.

Thanking you

Yours truly
Ajay Mittal

154
OR

Q B.
37, Kishore Nagar
Meerut

16th March, 20XX

The Director
Horticulture Department
Meerut

Subject Deplorable condition of Kishore Nagar Main Park

Sir/Ma’am
Through the medium of this letter, I wish to bring to your notice, the poor condition of the main
park in our locality. Sadly, the park has fallen into a miserable condition due to the utter neglect
of the employees who are responsible for the upkeep of the park. They are seldom seen doing
their assigned duties.
It has been converted into a dumping ground for heaps of dirt. The boundary wall as well as the
main gate has been broken. It has become an easy target for encroachment and plunder. The
grass and the plants have been destroyed and there is no hint of greenery left. As a result, it has
become an abode of stray animals. I request you to kindly look into the matter and ensure the
restoration of the park to its original beauty.

Thanking you

Yours sincerely
Brij Kishore

Q 6.A.Article on Inclusive Education 8M

By inclusive education we broadly mean the education that is in relation to students inherent
traits,s talent and ability. - Is’t is the need of the hour for students because without it millions of
students’ talent are not used but being wasted.- Inclusive education is affected by various factors
like the attitude of the parent, teachers, classmate and society. Parents need to change their
mind set - teachers and policies should also support this education - curriculum and
infrastructure should be in accordance education - government should restructure its education
policy in favour of inclusive education.(Any other relevant matter)

B. Article on Celebrating Diversity, but Working for Unity -by Sasha

In today’s world, diversity is more than just a buzzword; it’s a reality that surrounds us. Our
school is a microcosm of this diverse world, where students from various backgrounds, cultures,
and beliefs come together. While celebrating diversity is essential, it’s equally crucial to work
towards unity. Diversity enriches our learning experience, exposes us to different perspectives,
and fosters tolerance. It encourages us to embrace our unique identities and celebrate the
beauty of our differences. However, it can also lead to divisions if not managed correctly.
Unity, on the other hand, is the glue that holds our diverse community together. It’s about
finding common ground, respecting one another, and working towards shared goals. Unity

155
doesn’t mean we should abandon our unique identities; instead, it emphasises that we are
stronger together.
To achieve unity while celebrating diversity, we must actively engage in open dialogue, promote
empathy, and stand against discrimination.
Let’s recognise that our differences are our strength, but unity is our foundation. Together, we
can create a harmonious and inclusive school environment where every student feels valued and
cherished.

Grammar Skills [10 Marks]

Q7 A. (a) the (b) are, (c) which 3m

B error correction 4m
a. An a
b. To of
c. In to
d. Using used
C. i It is a method by which a student goes through games and physical activities 1m
ii (a) he seemed so tired and advised him to take a rest. 1m
(b) he could not even think of relaxing as he had a project to complete. 1m
Literature Textbook [26 Marks]
Question 8 (4+4) = 8m
1. King Ozymandias’s face lies on the sand/
2. The face had a stern expression that of a powerful commander who is very cruel
and arrogant.
3. The sculptor had quite skilfully depicted the feelings of his subject
4. The poet is P.B.Shelly .poem is Ozymandias

1. Mark Antony to the conspirators.

2. Slippery ground stands for the allegiance shown by Antony to Caesar as well as
the conspirators.
3. Antony’s shaking hands with the conspirators may prove that he is either a coward or a
flatterer.
4. Not brave.
1. Coachman Ali.
2. To the post office.
3. He is going there to check if his daughter has sent him a letter
4. He is determined and does not stop even in the face of physical discomfort.

Question 9.
Answer Any Five of the following six questions in about 30-40 words each. (5 × 2 = 10)

i. The narrator thinks that the boys must be saving to emigrate to America because the boys
did a lot of work. They not only sold fruits and newspapers but also worked as shoeshine
boys, tourist guides, and errand boys.
ii. Michael was shocked after reading the ‘Miracle Recovery’ story because the name of the
person who recovered was Sebastian Shultz whom he thought he knew. He had been
playing his games with a person with the same name and thought everything was real.

156
iii. The poet has a dual attitude towards the snake it is because he is governed by human
instinct and rational thought called the voice of the human education .One a natural
human instinct makes him appreciate the snake and love animals and the second the
rational thought that says snakes are poisonous so they must be killed.
iv. Pakrashi was Patol Babu's mentor. He said, "Remember one thing, Patol; however small a
part you're offered, never consider it beneath your dignity to accept it." These words
influenced Patol Babu a lot and they helped him enact his role with confidence and
determination.
v. The speaker of these lines is Mrs Packletide. She refers to the expenses that she met in
buying a cottage for Ms. lousia Mebin . These expenses also include the money that she
paid the villagers for arranging a tiger for the shoot.
vi. Calpurnia prevented Caesar from going to the Senate House because she feared
something miserable would happen to him. She felt this because of her dream in which
she saw Caesar’s statue with many spots, from which blood was oozing
out. No, she did not succeed because Decius Brutus very cunningly convinced Caesar to go
to the Senate House.

Question 10. 8M

In ‘The Letter’ by Dhumketu, Ali’s character exemplifies the themes of love, devotion, hope, and
perseverance through his unwavering determination to receive a letter from his daughter.
Despite not receiving any letters for five long years, Ali continues to visit the post office every day
in the hope of receiving one. His love and devotion to his daughter are evident in his willingness
to brave the cold and biting wind to make the journey to the post office. Even when others mock
him for his persistence, Ali remains steadfast in his hope and continues to visit the post office
every day. Through his actions, Ali demonstrates the power of love, devotion, hope, and
perseverance in the face of adversity. His story serves as a reminder of the strength of the human
spirit and the importance of never giving up hope.

OR

(A) In Stanley Houghton’s play ‘The Dear Departed,’ how does the author employ satire and irony
to critique societal values and family dynamics surrounding death and inheritance? Provide
specific examples from the play to support your
answer.
(A) Stanley Houghton employs satire and irony in “The Dear Departed” to critique societal values
and family dynamics linked to death and inheritance. The play comically exposes the family’s
materialism and hypocrisy following the supposed passing of Mr. Abel Merry Weather. When
they believe he’s dead, the family members outwardly mourn, yet their true motivations surface
when they discover he’s alive. For instance, Mrs. Jordan expresses grief but swiftly switches to
calculating her potential gains from his death. This satirizes the insincerity of their
mourning. The family’s eagerness to claim Mr. Merry Weather’s possessions further highlights
their self- centeredness. Despite their claims of unity, their hidden conflicts and self-interest
become apparent as they scramble to secure the inheritance. The play’s irony lies in the title itself
– “The Dear Departed” initially implies genuine affection, but the characters are “dear” to each
other solely in terms of financial gain. Such instances of satire and irony not only provide comic
relief.
157