Class 10 English — Practice Paper 1

Q1. Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow: (10 marks)

The Indian Railways, a vast network connecting the length and breadth of the country, is more than just a mode of transportation; it is an institution woven into the fabric of Indian life. Imagine a bustling railway station: a symphony of chattering voices, the rhythmic puffing of engines, vendors hawking their wares, and a kaleidoscope of people from diverse backgrounds converging with a shared destination. For millions, the train journey is an integral part of their travel experience, offering a unique perspective on India's diverse landscapes and cultures.

The humble train ticket, often overlooked, is a symbol of access and opportunity. For a nominal fare, it opens doors to distant cities, ancestral villages, and the promise of new beginnings. Consider the story of a young woman named Priya, who, armed with a single train ticket, left her small village in Rajasthan for the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. Her journey, initially fraught with apprehension, transformed into an odyssey of self-discovery and resilience. The train, with its shared compartments and fleeting conversations with fellow passengers, became a microcosm of Indian society, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Priya recalls a conversation with an elderly woman who shared stories of her life, her struggles, and her triumphs, offering a comforting perspective that eased Priya's own anxieties.

However, the efficiency and charm of Indian Railways are not without their challenges. Overcrowding, delays, and the sheer scale of operations present constant hurdles. Yet, despite these, the railways continue to be a lifeline, a testament to India's enduring spirit and its ability to connect people across vast distances. The annual pilgrimage trains, carrying devotees to sacred sites, or the monsoon trains navigating flooded terrains, highlight the railways' unwavering commitment to service, often under challenging circumstances.

Answer the following questions based on the passage:
a) What does the passage suggest about the Indian Railways beyond being a mere transportation system? (1 mark)
b) Explain the significance of a train ticket as mentioned in the passage. (1 mark)
c) Based on Priya's experience, what can be inferred about the social aspect of train journeys in India? (1 mark)
d) What are some of the challenges faced by the Indian Railways, according to the passage? (1 mark)
e) The passage describes the Indian Railways as a "lifeline". Which examples are provided to support this statement? (1 mark)
f) Which word in the passage means "a large system of connected railway lines"? (1 mark)
g) The author mentions a 'symphony of chattering voices, the rhythmic puffing of engines, vendors hawking their wares'. What literary device is being employed here to describe the railway station? (1 mark)
h) The passage highlights the resilience of the Indian Railways. Explain this resilience with reference to any one example given. (2 marks)
i) What lesson about human connection can be drawn from Priya's journey? (1 mark)

Q2. Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow: (10 marks)

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, are a picturesque archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. These islands are renowned for their pristine beaches, emerald forests, and vibrant coral reefs, making them a popular tourist destination. However, beyond their scenic beauty lies a rich and complex history, including the presence of indigenous tribes who have inhabited these islands for millennia. Among these are the Sentinelese, a tribe living on North Sentinel Island, known for their extreme isolation from the rest of the world.

The Sentinelese are believed to be one of the last uncontacted peoples on Earth. Their deliberate isolation is a matter of both fascination and concern. For centuries, they have resisted any attempts at contact, often responding with hostility to approaching vessels. This stance is largely seen as a self-preservation measure, a way to protect their culture and way of life from external influences, diseases, and potential exploitation. The Indian government has enacted laws to protect the Sentinelese, forbidding anyone from approaching the island or attempting contact, ensuring their right to self-determination and safety.

This policy of 'hands-off' has been crucial, especially after historical instances where contact with outsiders led to devastating consequences for indigenous populations worldwide due to the introduction of diseases to which they had no immunity. While the desire to study and understand the Sentinelese is understandable, their continued isolation is paramount for their survival. The modern world, with its interconnectedness, often struggles to reconcile the urge for discovery with the ethical imperative of respecting the autonomy of isolated communities.

Answer the following questions based on the passage:
a) Where are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located? (1 mark)
b) What makes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands a popular tourist destination? (1 mark)
c) Identify the indigenous tribe mentioned in the passage that is known for its extreme isolation. (1 mark)
d) Why is the Sentinelese tribe's isolation considered a matter of both fascination and concern? (1 mark)
e) What actions has the Indian government taken to protect the Sentinelese? (1 mark)
f) Which word in the passage means "a group of islands"? (1 mark)
g) The passage mentions that the Sentinelese respond with hostility to approaching vessels. What does this indicate about their feelings towards outsiders? (1 mark)
h) Explain the ethical dilemma faced by the modern world regarding isolated communities like the Sentinelese. (2 marks)
i) What is the primary reason for the government's 'hands-off' policy towards the Sentinelese? (1 mark)

Q3. Complete the following sentences by choosing the most appropriate option: (1 mark each, attempt any 10 = 10 marks)

a) If you study diligently, you ______ pass the examination.
(i) will
(ii) would
(iii) can
(iv) could

b) The train ______ by the time we reached the station.
(i) left
(ii) had left
(iii) has left
(iv) leaves

c) She is ______ honest politician.
(i) a
(ii) an
(iii) the
(iv) no article

d) He asked me ______ I was going.
(i) where
(ii) when
(iii) if
(iv) why

e) My mother ______ a letter yesterday.
(i) write
(ii) wrote
(iii) writes
(iv) writing

f) He insisted ______ me to go.
(i) for
(ii) on
(iii) to
(iv) that

g) The news ______ too good to be true.
(i) are
(ii) is
(iii) were
(iv) be

h) She is proud ______ her achievements.
(i) of
(ii) about
(iii) for
(iv) in

i) I ______ this book since morning.
(i) read
(ii) reading
(iii) have been reading
(iv) had read

j) The meeting ______ postponed.
(i) is
(ii) are
(iii) be
(iv) being

k) She speaks English fluently, ______?
(i) doesn’t she
(ii) isn’t she
(iii) don’t she
(iv) wasn’t she

l) They ______ football in the park every Sunday.
(i) play
(ii) played
(iii) plays
(iv) are playing

Q4. The following passage has an error in each of the blanks. Fill in the blanks with the correct word. (1 mark each, attempt any 4 = 4 marks)

The teacher asked the students to (a) ______ the story they had read. One student, Ravi, (b) ______ up and said, “Ma’am, I will answer.” The teacher smiled and (c) ______ him to proceed. Ravi started narrating the story, but he soon (d) ______ the plot. The teacher gently (e) ______ him to remember the main events.

a) ___________ (verb form)
b) ___________ (verb form)
c) ___________ (verb form)
d) ___________ (verb form)
e) ___________ (verb form)

Q5. Read the dialogue and report what the students said. (1 mark each, attempt any 2 = 2 marks)

a) Student 1: “Can I borrow your pen, please?”
b) Student 2: “Sure, here you go.”

Q6. Attempt ONE of the following: (5 marks)

You are Anya Sharma, a resident of Sector 12, Chandigarh. You recently witnessed a hit-and-run accident where a speeding car hit a pedestrian and fled the scene. Write a letter to the Station House Officer (SHO) of your local police station, reporting the incident and urging for immediate action.

OR

You are Rohan Verma, Head Boy of Spring Dale Public School, Delhi. Your school is organizing an Inter-School Debate Competition on the topic "Social Media: A Boon or a Bane?". Write a formal invitation to the Principal of neighbouring XYZ Public School, inviting their best debaters to participate in the competition.

Q7. Attempt ONE of the following: (5 marks)

The following data shows the percentage of students who passed in Mathematics in different schools of a district over the years. Write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words on the trends observed.

OR

The given pie chart shows the favourite modes of transport for students in a particular school. Write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words describing the information presented in the chart.

(Imagine a pie chart here showing: Bus - 40%, Bicycle - 30%, Walking - 20%, Car - 10%)

Q8. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow. Attempt any ONE of the given extracts. (10 marks)

EXTRACT I
“God: Of the money that I asked for, only seventy pesos reached me. Send me the rest, since I need it very much. But don’t send it to me through the mail because the post office employees are bunch of crooks. Lencho.”

a) What does Lencho mean by "bunch of crooks"? (1 mark)
b) Why did Lencho ask for the rest of the money? (1 mark)
c) What does this letter reveal about Lencho's character? (2 marks)
d) What is the irony in Lencho's statement about the post office employees? (1 mark)

EXTRACT II
"Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, with their chests filled with medals and their lips still bearing the marks of salutes, had stood before me and pledged their loyalty. The irony was that the national anthem of the Republic of the day before and that of today were being sung, and the vision of whites singing ‘Nkosi Sikelel – i Afrika’ and blacks singing ‘Die Stem’, the old anthem of the Republic."

a) Who is the speaker and where is he? (1 mark)
b) What is the "irony" mentioned in the extract? (1 mark)
c) What does the singing of two national anthems symbolise? (2 marks)
d) What does the presence of medals on the chests of generals signify? (1 mark)

Q9. Answer any FOUR of the following questions in about 40-50 words each: (4 × 3 = 12 marks)

a) In ‘A Letter to God’, how does Lencho’s faith contrast with the reality of the situation? (3 marks)
b) Nelson Mandela believed that true freedom involved overcoming fear. Explain with reference to his speech. (3 marks)
c) In ‘His First Flight’, how does the young seagull’s fear of flying reflect a universal human experience? (3 marks)
d) According to Anne Frank, how can one overcome loneliness and feel understood? (3 marks)
e) In ‘Glimpses of India – Part I (Goa)’, the baker is portrayed nostalgically. Elaborate on the reasons for this portrayal. (3 marks)

Q10. Answer any TWO of the following questions in about 40-50 words each: (2 × 3 = 6 marks)

a) How does the narrator in ‘A Triumph of Surgery’ ethically handle the situation with Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey? (3 marks)
b) In ‘The Thief’s Story’, what internal conflict does Hari Singh experience before returning to Anil? (3 marks)
c) Max’s reliance on the balcony as an escape route proves to be his undoing in ‘The Midnight Visitor’. Explain. (3 marks)

Q11. Answer any ONE of the following questions in about 100-120 words: (6 marks)

a) Matilda’s desire for luxury and her dissatisfaction with her modest life lead to her downfall in ‘The Necklace’. Discuss.

OR

b) Bholi’s transformation from a timid, stammering child to a confident, assertive woman is a result of her education. Discuss the role of her teacher in this transformation.

Q12. Answer any ONE of the following questions in about 100-120 words: (6 marks)

a) In ‘Madam Rides the Bus’, Valli's journey is a rite of passage, marking her transition from childhood innocence to a more mature understanding of the world. Discuss.

OR

b) The poem ‘The Sermon at Benares’ emphasizes the impermanence of life and the universality of death. Explain how Buddha's teachings offer solace in the face of grief.

Q13. Answer any ONE of the following questions in about 100-120 words: (6 marks)

a) In ‘Mijbil the Otter’, Maxwell’s relationship with Mijbil evolves from that of an owner to a deep, emotional bond. Discuss this evolution.

OR

b) The play ‘The Book That Saved the Earth’ uses humour and satire to critique the assumptions of advanced civilizations. Discuss the Martians' misinterpretation of Earthling culture.

Q14. Answer any ONE of the following questions in about 100-120 words: (6 marks)

a) Horace Danby’s meticulous planning is contrasted with his ultimate failure in ‘A Question of Trust’. Analyze the reasons for his downfall.

OR

b) Griffin’s scientific brilliance in ‘Footprints Without Feet’ is overshadowed by his misuse of power and lack of moral compass. Discuss.

Answer Key

Q1:
a) It is an institution woven into the fabric of Indian life, fostering community and connecting people.
b) It symbolises access and opportunity, allowing travel for a nominal fare.
c) Train journeys foster a sense of community and shared experience, offering comfort and perspective.
d) Overcrowding, delays, and the sheer scale of operations.
e) Annual pilgrimage trains and monsoon trains navigating flooded terrains.
f) Archipelago
g) Auditory imagery.
h) The railways' unwavering commitment to service, even under challenging circumstances, like navigating flooded terrains during monsoons.
i) Human connection and shared experiences can ease anxieties and provide comfort.

Q2:
a) In the Bay of Bengal.
b) Pristine beaches, emerald forests, and vibrant coral reefs.
c) The Sentinelese.
d) It is fascinating due to their extreme isolation, and concerning due to the risks they face from contact.
e) Laws forbidding anyone from approaching the island or attempting contact.
f) Archipelago
g) They are wary and protective of their way of life.
h) The modern world struggles to balance the desire for discovery with the ethical need to respect the autonomy and safety of isolated communities.
i) To protect their culture, way of life, and to prevent the introduction of diseases.

Q3:
a) (i) will
b) (ii) had left
c) (ii) an
d) (i) where
e) (ii) wrote
f) (iii) to
g) (ii) is
h) (i) of
i) (iii) have been reading
j) (i) is
k) (i) doesn’t she
l) (i) play

Q4:
a) narrated
b) stood
c) encouraged
d) forgot
e) reminded

Q5:
a) Student 1 asked if they could borrow his/her pen, please.
b) Student 2 replied affirmatively and offered the pen.

Q6: (Mark based on content, format, and coherence)

Q7: (Mark based on analysis of data, clarity of trends, and word count)

Q8:
EXTRACT I:
a) Lencho refers to the post office employees as 'crooks' because he suspects they have stolen a part of the money he received.
b) Lencho needed the remaining money urgently and believed God had sent it to him.
c) It reveals his deep faith in God, but also his naivety and lack of trust in people.
d) The irony is that the very people he accuses of being "crooks" were the ones who helped him by sending the money.

EXTRACT II:
a) The speaker is Nelson Mandela, and he is at his inauguration as the first black President of South Africa.
b) The irony lies in the fact that generals who had previously enforced apartheid and would have arrested Mandela, now stood saluting him and pledging loyalty.
c) It symbolises the end of apartheid and the dawn of a new, unified, democratic South Africa where both black and white South Africans are equal citizens.
d) Their medals signify their service and loyalty to the nation, which now includes the new democratic government.

Q9: (4x3=12 marks)
a) Lencho’s unwavering faith in God's help (asking for money) contrasts with his complete lack of faith in humans (calling post office employees crooks), despite them fulfilling his request.
b) Mandela believed that freedom was not just the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. He argued that to be free, one must overcome fear, as an oppressor who denies another person their freedom is also not free.
c) The young seagull's fear of flying mirrors the common human fear of the unknown or failure. His hesitation and eventual courage to take the leap, driven by necessity and encouragement, are relatable experiences.
d) Anne believes one can overcome loneliness by confiding in a diary, treating it as a friend. She feels that a diary is a better listener than people, as it holds secrets without judgment.
e) The baker is portrayed nostalgically because he was a significant figure in Goan life, acting as a friend, companion, and guide. His presence marked special occasions and daily routines, evoking fond memories of the Portuguese era.

Q10: (2x3=6 marks)
a) The narrator, a veterinary surgeon, ethically handles the situation by suggesting Tricki be hospitalized for observation, rather than succumbing to Mrs. Pumphrey's emotional pleas. He ensures Tricki receives proper care without unnecessary medical intervention, demonstrating professional integrity.
b) Hari Singh experiences an internal conflict when he realizes Anil’s trust and kindness. He feels guilty about betraying Anil and contemplates returning the stolen money, torn between his thieving instincts and a nascent sense of morality.
c) Max is led to believe there is a balcony outside Ausable’s window, providing an escape route. Ausable cleverly uses this misinformation to trick Max into believing the police are at the door, leading Max to attempt an escape via the non-existent balcony and fall into Ausable’s trap.

Q11: (6 marks)
a) Matilda's life is ruined by her discontentment and obsession with luxury. Her dissatisfaction with her middle-class life fuels a desire for extravagance she cannot afford. This leads her to borrow a necklace she loses, forcing her and her husband into ten years of hardship to repay the debt. Her inability to accept her circumstances and her pride prevent her from confessing the loss, sealing her fate and transforming her into a worn-out, regretful woman.
b) Bholi’s transformation is profoundly influenced by her teacher. Recognizing Bholi’s stammer and low self-esteem, the teacher patiently encourages her, calls her by her name, and instills confidence. The teacher's belief in Bholi’s potential and her gentle guidance empower Bholi to overcome her fears, speak assertively, and ultimately reject a disadvantageous marriage, showcasing the transformative power of education and a supportive teacher.

Q12: (6 marks)
a) Valli's bus journey marks her transition from childhood innocence to a more mature understanding of life. Initially driven by childish curiosity and a desire for adventure, she encounters the harsh realities of life, like death, which temper her excitement. Her calm resolve in refusing to look at the dead cow and her mature handling of the situation show her growing understanding of the world, making the journey a significant rite of passage.
b) The poem emphasizes that life is transient and death is an inevitable part of existence, common to all living beings. Buddha's teachings offer solace by highlighting that attachment and grief only intensify suffering. By accepting the impermanence of life and understanding that death is a natural process, one can attain peace of mind and overcome sorrow, rather than succumbing to endless weeping.

Q13: (6 marks)
a) Maxwell's relationship with Mijbil evolves significantly. Initially, he acquires Mijbil as a pet otter, driven by loneliness. Over time, Mijbil's playful antics, intelligence, and emotional dependency forge a deep bond. Maxwell learns to understand Mijbil's needs and moods, moving from an owner-pet dynamic to a genuine companionship filled with affection and mutual respect.
b) The Martians, despite their advanced technology, misinterpret the simple book of nursery rhymes due to their own assumptions and arrogance. They perceive the rhymes as complex codes and messages, viewing Earthlings as advanced beings who have observed and documented the Martians themselves. This misinterpretation stems from their belief in their own superiority and their lack of understanding of human culture, leading them to retreat in fear.

Q14: (6 marks)
a) Horace Danby’s downfall is primarily due to his overconfidence and underestimation of his opponent. Despite his meticulous planning, he is outsmarted by the young lady who pretends to be the lady of the house. He falls for her charm and seemingly helpless situation, failing to suspect her true identity or intentions, which leads to his arrest. His belief in his own expertise and perhaps a touch of chivalry contribute to his undoing.
b) Griffin’s scientific brilliance is undeniable; he invents a formula for invisibility. However, his misuse of this power is evident. Instead of using it for societal benefit, he engages in theft and violence, driven by greed and a desire for revenge. His lack of moral restraint and his disregard for others demonstrate a complete absence of ethical principles, overshadowing his scientific achievements.