Class 10 English — Practice Paper 2

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

The digital revolution has profoundly reshaped our lives, particularly in how we access information and communicate. Gone are the days when libraries were the sole repositories of knowledge; today, a world of information is at our fingertips through the internet. However, this accessibility comes with its own set of challenges. The sheer volume of data can be overwhelming, and discerning reliable information from misinformation requires critical thinking skills. Online platforms, while connecting people globally, can also foster echo chambers, where individuals are primarily exposed to opinions that confirm their existing beliefs, leading to polarization.

Consider the impact on education. Online learning platforms offer flexibility and access to courses from prestigious institutions worldwide. Students can learn at their own pace, revisiting complex topics as needed. Yet, the absence of face-to-face interaction can sometimes hinder the development of crucial social and collaborative skills. Furthermore, the digital divide, where access to technology and reliable internet is unevenly distributed, can exacerbate existing inequalities, leaving behind those who cannot afford or access these digital resources.

The rise of social media has also transformed interpersonal communication. It allows for instant updates and connections with friends and family, regardless of distance. However, the curated nature of online profiles often presents an idealized version of reality, leading to social comparison and feelings of inadequacy. The constant connectivity can also blur the lines between personal and professional life, leading to burnout. Navigating this digital landscape effectively requires a conscious effort to balance online and offline interactions, critically evaluate information, and be mindful of the potential impact on mental well-being.

Answer the following questions based on the passage:
a) According to the passage, what has reshaped our lives due to the digital revolution? (1 mark)
b) What is the primary challenge associated with the accessibility of information online? (1 mark)
c) How can online platforms contribute to polarization? (1 mark)
d) What are the benefits of online learning platforms for students? (1 mark)
e) What is a significant drawback of online learning mentioned in the passage? (1 mark)
f) Which word in the passage means "unevenly distributed"? (1 mark)
g) The passage discusses the "digital divide". What does this term refer to? (1 mark)
h) Explain the paradox of social media as described in the passage, highlighting both its advantages and disadvantages in communication. (2 marks)
i) What conscious efforts are suggested for navigating the digital landscape effectively? (1 mark)

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

The Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. This mountain range, older than the Himalayas, is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species—those found nowhere else on Earth. Its ecological significance lies in its role as a watershed for peninsular India, providing perennial rivers that sustain agriculture and drinking water for a vast population.

However, this ecological treasure is under severe threat. Habitat fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and illegal logging has led to a decline in species populations. The impact of climate change, with rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, further exacerbates these threats, pushing many species towards extinction. Conservation efforts are underway, involving government agencies, local communities, and environmental organizations, but the scale of the challenge is immense. Strategies include establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity.

The biodiversity of the Western Ghats is not just an environmental issue; it is also intrinsically linked to the cultural heritage of the region. Many local communities depend on the forest for their livelihood, relying on its resources for food, medicine, and materials. The intricate relationship between the people and the Ghats highlights the need for integrated conservation approaches that respect both ecological integrity and the socio-economic needs of the local populations. Preserving this unique ecosystem is vital not only for the region but for the planet as a whole.

Answer the following questions based on the passage:
a) Where is the mountain range known as the Western Ghats located? (1 mark)
b) What makes the Western Ghats a UNESCO World Heritage Site? (1 mark)
c) What does the term "endemic species" refer to, as used in the passage? (1 mark)
d) Explain the ecological significance of the Western Ghats for peninsular India. (1 mark)
e) What are the primary threats endangering the Western Ghats? (1 mark)
f) Which word in the passage means "the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat"? (1 mark)
g) The passage mentions that the Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas. What does this suggest about their geological history? (1 mark)
h) Discuss the connection between the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the cultural heritage of the region, as presented in the passage. (2 marks)
i) What kind of strategies are being employed for the conservation of the Western Ghats? (1 mark)

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

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

b) The teacher advised the students ______ not to make noise.
(i) to make (ii) not to make (iii) making (iv) to not make

c) She ______ reading a book when the phone rang.
(i) reads (ii) read (iii) was reading (iv) has read

d) The train ______ by 8:00 AM tomorrow.
(i) will reach (ii) will have reached (iii) reached (iv) has reached

e) My brother, ______ lives in Canada, is visiting us next month.
(i) who (ii) whom (iii) whose (iv) which

f) Neither the students nor the teacher ______ present in the hall.
(i) were (ii) was (iii) are (iv) is

g) He expressed his regret ______ not attending the meeting.
(i) for (ii) about (iii) at (iv) on

h) The book is ______ interesting that I couldn’t put it down.
(i) so (ii) too (iii) very (iv) much

i) The chief guest ______ the awards ceremony with a speech.
(i) inaugurated (ii) inaugurated to (iii) inaugurated for (iv) was inaugurated

j) Despite ______ hard, he failed the exam.
(i) study (ii) studying (iii) to study (iv) studied

k) The old man, ______ is sitting under the tree, is my grandfather.
(i) who (ii) whom (iii) whose (iv) which

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

Q4. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each sentence. Write the corrected sentence. (1 mark each, attempt any 10)

a) The team are practicing hard for the upcoming match.
b) He is allergic to dust and pollen.
c) I have been living here since five years.
d) She is one of the most intelligent students in the class.
e) She gave me an advice about my career.
f) He is good in playing cricket.
g) The committee have finally reached a decision.
h) She is senior than me by two years.
i) He prefer coffee than tea.
j) Many a student have failed to secure passing marks.
k) The scenery of the mountains are breathtaking.
l) He is married with a doctor.

Q5. Writing skills. (10 Marks)

You are required to answer ONE question only.

(A) You are Arun/Aruna, residing at 12, Tagore Nagar, Delhi. You recently attended a workshop on effective time management organised by your school. Write a letter to the Editor of a local daily, highlighting the importance of time management for students and suggesting ways it can be integrated into the school curriculum. (100-120 words) (5 marks)

(B) The following data is based on a survey conducted in your locality regarding the preferred modes of transport for daily commute:

Write an analytical paragraph based on the data provided. (100-120 words) (5 marks)

Q6. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow. (10 Marks)

(A) "You must not talk so much," said Mr. Keesing, "An incorrigible chatterbox as you are. I’ve assigned you an extra homework as well. You are to write an essay on 'An Incorrigible Chatterbox'. I've even assigned you another topic on the same subject. You will write it in your own handwriting."

"An incorrigible chatterbox!"
In a fit of anger, Anne wrote her essay. It was done. In her notebook, she wrote on the second page: ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’.

The essay had to be in three parts. Part I was something about the necessity of talking to say anything at all. Part II was about the students talking too much in class. And Part III was a resolution to hold my tongue in future, since an incorrigible chatterbox, like an incorrigible criminal, has been given due punishment.

Answer the following questions:
a) Who is ‘Mr. Keesing’ in this extract? (1 mark)
b) What was Anne’s reaction to the assignment? (1 mark)
c) What did Anne write in the third part of her essay? (1 mark)
d) The extract suggests a conflict between Anne and Mr. Keesing. What is the root cause of this conflict? (2 marks)

OR

(B) "Then he saw that the sky was clear. Then he saw that the sky was clear. In front of his aeroplane there were no clouds in the sky. His aeroplane was flying directly over it and he could see the clouds there. Black mountains standing in front of him in the sky. He knew he could not fly up and over them, and he did not have enough fuel to fly around them to the north or south. 'I ought to go back to Paris,' I thought. 'But I wanted to get home. I wanted that breakfast.' 'I’ll take the risk,' I thought, and flew that old Dakota straight into the storm."

Answer the following questions:
a) Who is the narrator of this extract? (1 mark)
b) What decision does the narrator make regarding the storm clouds? (1 mark)
c) Why does the narrator choose to fly into the storm? (1 mark)
d) The narrator refers to the clouds as "Black mountains". What does this imagery suggest about his state of mind? (2 marks)

Q7. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow. (10 Marks)

(A) "But all at once the hail stopped. In the hour following the sun broke through; and then, though there was nothing left to be seen, for the flowers were gone from the vines, Lencho’s soul was filled with the joy of knowing that his fields would yield a good harvest. He did not know he was looking forward to a good harvest. What he did know was that the hailstorm had ruined everything."

Answer the following questions:
a) What stopped suddenly in the hour following the sun breaking through? (1 mark)
b) What was Lencho's soul filled with, despite the ruined fields? (1 mark)
c) What realization did Lencho have about the hailstorm's impact? (1 mark)
d) Lencho's feelings undergo a significant shift in this extract. Explain this shift. (2 marks)

OR

(B) "Mijbil discovered that if he placed the ball on the high end it would run down the length of the suitcase. He could spend hours occupied in this way. He then discovered that the ball would not roll down if he placed it on the low end, and he would push it off with his paw. Finally, he would dive into the suitcase himself, seize the ball and push it out of the suitcase onto the floor, where the water trickled from it. The distance to the outside of every second lamp-post opposite my flat was exactly the length of the suitcase. Mijbil discovered this, and took to playing his game at every lamp-post on the way to the bathroom."

Answer the following questions:
a) What did Mijbil discover about the ball and the suitcase? (1 mark)
b) How did Mijbil spend his time with this discovery? (1 mark)
c) What was Mijbil's game, and where did he play it? (1 mark)
d) How does this extract illustrate Mijbil's intelligence and adaptability? (2 marks)

Q8. Answer any FOUR of the following questions in about 40-50 words each: (4 x 3 = 12 marks)

a) What did Nelson Mandela mean when he said, "I was not born with a hunger to hate"? (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
b) How did the young seagull's parents try to make him fly? (Two Stories About Flying)
c) Why did Anne Frank call her diary 'Kitty'? (From the Diary of Anne Frank)
d) Describe the baker's attire and his traditional role in Goan society. (Glimpses of India)
e) What was the significance of the Sermon at Benares? (The Sermon at Benares)

Q9. Answer any TWO of the following questions in about 40-50 words each: (2 x 3 = 6 marks)

a) Why did Horace Danby get arrested for the jewel robbery at Shotover Grange? (A Question of Trust)
b) How did the narrator's initial perception of Ausable differ from the reality? (The Midnight Visitor)
c) Explain the significance of the "dust of snow" in Robert Frost's poem. (Dust of Snow)

Q10. Answer any ONE of the following questions in about 100-120 words: (6 marks)

(A) Matilda's obsession with appearances and her desire for a life of luxury ultimately lead to her downfall. Analyze this statement with reference to the story "The Necklace".

OR

(B) The story "Bholi" highlights the transformative power of education and the role of a supportive teacher. Discuss how Bholi's life changed for the better due to these factors.

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

(A) "The Book That Saved the Earth" satirizes the Martian invasion attempt through the Martians' misinterpretation of human culture and literature. Explain how this misinterpretation leads to their downfall.

OR

(B) The story "A Triumph of Surgery" serves as a gentle critique of excessive pampering and its potential consequences. Discuss with reference to Mrs. Pumphrey and Tricki.

Answer Key

Q1.
a) It is an institution woven into the fabric of Indian life, symbolizing access and opportunity.
b) A train ticket symbolizes access and opportunity, opening doors to distant places and new beginnings.
c) Train journeys foster a sense of community and shared experience, offering comfort and perspective through interactions with fellow passengers.
d) Challenges include overcrowding, delays, and the sheer scale of operations.
e) Examples include annual pilgrimage trains and monsoon trains, demonstrating unwavering commitment to service.
f) Network
g) Imagery/Auditory imagery
h) The railways act as a lifeline by connecting people across vast distances, as seen in their role during pilgrimages and challenging weather conditions, showcasing their commitment to service.
i) Human connection can be drawn from the shared experiences and conversations during train journeys that offer comfort and new perspectives.

Q2.
a) They are located in the Bay of Bengal, running parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula.
b) Their pristine beaches, emerald forests, and vibrant coral reefs make them a popular tourist destination.
c) The Sentinelese tribe is mentioned as being known for its extreme isolation.
d) It is fascinating due to their uncontacted status, and concerning because of potential risks to their survival upon contact.
e) The Indian government has enacted laws forbidding anyone from approaching the island or attempting contact.
f) Archipelago
g) It indicates their strong desire for self-preservation and a potential fear or distrust of outsiders.
h) Many local communities depend on the Ghats for their livelihood, relying on its resources. This close relationship highlights the need for conservation that respects both ecological and socio-economic needs.
i) Strategies include establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and raising public awareness.

Q3.
a) (i) will
b) (ii) not to make
c) (iii) was reading
d) (ii) will have reached
e) (i) who
f) (ii) was
g) (i) for
h) (i) so
i) (i) inaugurated
j) (ii) studying
k) (i) who
l) (ii) is

Q4.
a) The team is practicing hard for the upcoming match.
b) Correct as is.
c) I have been living here for five years.
d) Correct as is.
e) She gave me a piece of advice about my career. / She gave me some advice about my career.
f) He is good at playing cricket.
g) The committee has finally reached a decision.
h) She is senior to me by two years.
i) He prefers coffee to tea.
j) Many a student has failed to secure passing marks.
k) The scenery of the mountains is breathtaking.
l) He is married to a doctor.

Q5. (Sample Answers)

(A) To The Editor,
Local Daily,
Delhi.

Subject: Importance of Time Management for Students.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my appreciation for the recent workshop on time management organised by our school. In today's fast-paced world, effective time management is crucial for students. It not only helps in academic success but also reduces stress and fosters discipline.

Our school curriculum should integrate practical time management techniques, such as planning daily schedules, prioritizing tasks, and avoiding procrastination. Simple methods like using planners or setting realistic goals can make a significant difference. By equipping students with these skills early on, we can empower them to manage their time efficiently, leading to a more balanced and productive life.

Yours faithfully,
Aruna/Arun
12, Tagore Nagar, Delhi.

(B) The provided data on preferred modes of transport for daily commute in our locality reveals interesting trends. Public buses emerge as the most popular choice, utilized by 40% of residents, indicating their affordability and accessibility. Bicycles are a close second, preferred by 35% of the population, suggesting a growing inclination towards eco-friendly and health-conscious commuting. Personal cars, despite being a convenience, are used by only 15%, possibly due to traffic congestion and parking issues. Walking, chosen by 10%, represents a small but significant segment committed to an active lifestyle. Overall, the data points towards a community that largely relies on public transport and eco-friendly options for their daily commute.

Q6. (A)
a) Mr. Keesing is Anne Frank's maths teacher.
b) Anne was angry and wrote the essay in her notebook.
c) In the third part, Anne wrote about her resolution to hold her tongue in the future, comparing herself to an incorrigible criminal who had received punishment.
d) The root cause of the conflict is Anne's talkative nature, which Mr. Keesing finds disruptive and hence assigns her extra homework.

OR

(B)
a) The narrator is the pilot of the old Dakota aeroplane.
b) The narrator decides to fly straight into the storm clouds.
c) The narrator chooses to fly into the storm because he wanted to get home and have breakfast, and lacked sufficient fuel to fly around the storm.
d) This imagery suggests the narrator's fear, the overwhelming nature of the storm, and his feeling of being trapped or facing an insurmountable obstacle.

Q7. (A)
a) The hailstorm stopped suddenly.
b) Lencho's soul was filled with the joy of knowing that his fields would yield a good harvest, despite being ruined by the hailstorm.
c) Lencho realized that the hailstorm had ruined everything, although he also knew his fields would yield a good harvest.
d) Lencho's feelings shift from despair and hopelessness due to the destruction of his crops to a renewed sense of hope for a harvest, driven by his faith and the promise of the crops.

OR

(B)
a) Mijbil discovered that if he placed the ball on the high end of the tilted suitcase, it would run down.
b) Mijbil would spend hours playing this game, pushing the ball off the floor and then retrieving it.
c) Mijbil's game involved rolling a ball down the length of the suitcase and then retrieving it from the floor. He played it at every lamp-post on the way to the bathroom.
d) Mijbil's intelligence is shown by his experimentation with the ball and suitcase to create a game. His adaptability is evident in him discovering and utilizing the lamp-posts as a consistent location for his game.

Q8. Answer any FOUR of the following questions in about 40-50 words each: (4 x 3 = 12 marks)

a) Nelson Mandela stated he was not born with a hunger to hate, implying that hate is not an innate human emotion. He learned to love, and that love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.
b) The young seagull's parents called him shrilly, upbraided him, and threatened to let him starve on his ledge if he did not fly away.
c) Anne Frank called her diary 'Kitty' because she wanted it to be her friend, a confidante to whom she could express her thoughts and feelings.
d) The baker wore a traditional dress called a 'kuppia', a long black coat with an embroidered waist-belt. He played a crucial role in Goan life, serving as a companion and guide, and his arrival was a daily highlight for children.
e) The Sermon at Benares teaches that life is transient, suffering is universal, and attachment leads to pain. It emphasizes understanding the impermanence of life and accepting death as a natural part of existence to find peace.

Q9. Answer any TWO of the following questions in about 40-50 words each: (2 x 3 = 6 marks)

a) Horace Danby was arrested because his fingerprints were found all over the room where the jewels were stolen. He had opened the safe without gloves, but the lady of the house, who was the real thief, tricked him into removing them, and later falsely accused him.
b) Initially, Fowler perceived Ausable as a rather unremarkable, "sloppy fat man" who lacked the typical charisma of a secret agent. He was disappointed by Ausable's ordinary appearance and unexciting life, expecting mystery and danger.
c) The "dust of snow" symbolizes a small, unexpected event that has the power to change one's mood. In the poem, it represents a moment of beauty and natural wonder that lifts the speaker's spirits from a state of despair.

Q10. Answer any ONE of the following questions in about 100-120 words: (6 marks)

(A) Matilda Loisel’s dissatisfaction with her modest life and her yearning for wealth and social status were the primary reasons for her ruin. Her obsession with appearances led her to borrow a diamond necklace, which she subsequently lost. This act of vanity forced her and her husband into a decade of poverty and hardship to replace the lost necklace. They sacrificed their comfort, worked tirelessly, and lived a life of necessity, completely erasing the charm and beauty she so desperately craved. Her greatest failing was her inability to appreciate what she had and her blind pursuit of material possessions and social climbing.

(B) Bholi's life is a testament to the transformative power of education. Initially neglected due to her physical disfigurements and stammer, she was considered simple-minded and unlikely to marry. Her teacher, however, saw her potential, providing her with encouragement, patience, and a safe environment to learn and express herself. This nurturing relationship enabled Bholi to overcome her stammer, gain confidence, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. Consequently, she bravely refused a disadvantageous marriage, choosing instead to dedicate her life to teaching, thereby empowering herself and becoming a beacon of hope for other girls.

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

(A) The play "The Book That Saved the Earth" humorously depicts the Martian invasion failing due to the Martians' gross misunderstanding of Earthling culture, specifically their interpretation of nursery rhymes. Think-Tank, the leader, misinterprets "Humpty Dumpty" as a depiction of himself and concludes that Earthlings are after him. He believes the rhymes represent a code detailing advanced technology and a formidable invasion fleet. This misinterpretation, born from ignorance and overconfidence, leads them to abandon the invasion, ironically saving Earth through a simple book of rhymes.

(B) Mr. Herriot's approach to Tricki's illness is a masterclass in practical veterinary care, contrasting sharply with Mrs. Pumphrey's emotional indulgence. Recognizing Tricki's obesity and lethargy were due to overfeeding, he firmly but kindly insists on hospitalization for strict diet and exercise, resisting Mrs. Pumphrey's emotional pleas. He demonstrates patience by observing Tricki's recovery, empathy by understanding Tricki's needs, and perceptiveness by realizing that Tricki’s well-being required separation from his doting owner. This balanced approach, prioritizing the animal's health over sentimentality, proves highly effective, leading to Tricki's remarkable recovery.