Class 10 English — Practice Paper 3

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

The monsoon, a seasonal change in wind direction, is a vital phenomenon for India, bringing life-giving rains that sustain its agriculture and ecosystems. The arrival of the monsoon is eagerly anticipated, marking the end of the hot, dry summer and ushering in a period of renewal. Farmers depend heavily on its timely and adequate rainfall for their crops, and the entire nation celebrates its arrival. The monsoon not only nourishes the land but also plays a significant role in Indian culture, inspiring festivals, music, and art.

However, the monsoon can also bring considerable challenges. Unpredictable patterns, such as delayed onset, erratic distribution, or excessive rainfall leading to floods, can disrupt agricultural cycles and cause widespread damage. Conversely, a weak or absent monsoon can result in droughts, impacting food security and livelihoods. Managing these extremes requires robust disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. The government and local communities often collaborate to build infrastructure like reservoirs and flood control systems, alongside implementing drought-resistant farming techniques.

The Indian Meteorological Department plays a crucial role in forecasting monsoon patterns, providing vital information that aids in planning and preparedness. Advances in technology, including satellite imagery and sophisticated weather models, have improved forecasting accuracy, enabling better management of monsoon-related risks. Yet, the increasing impact of climate change poses new uncertainties, making long-term predictions more complex. Understanding and adapting to these changing patterns is essential for the resilience of India's agricultural sector and the well-being of its people.

Answer the following questions based on the passage:
a) What is the primary significance of the monsoon for India? (1 mark)
b) How does the monsoon influence Indian culture? (1 mark)
c) What are the potential challenges associated with the monsoon? (1 mark)
d) What measures are taken to manage the extremes of the monsoon? (1 mark)
e) What role does the Indian Meteorological Department play in relation to the monsoon? (1 mark)
f) Which word in the passage means "a strong liking or desire for something"? (1 mark)
g) The passage states that the monsoon "brings life-giving rains". What does this imply about the consequences if the monsoon fails? (1 mark)
h) Explain how climate change poses a challenge to monsoon forecasting. (2 marks)
i) What is the ultimate goal of understanding and adapting to changing monsoon patterns? (1 mark)

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

The concept of sustainable development has gained global prominence as nations grapple with the interconnected challenges of economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. At its core, sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This philosophy underscores the importance of balancing our immediate demands with the long-term health of the planet and its resources.

In India, the drive towards sustainable development is evident across various sectors. In agriculture, practices like organic farming, water conservation, and crop diversification are being promoted to reduce environmental impact and enhance food security. The renewable energy sector, particularly solar and wind power, is experiencing significant growth, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Urban planning is also increasingly incorporating green building principles, efficient waste management systems, and public transportation networks to create more liveable and environmentally friendly cities.

However, the transition to a sustainable model is not without its obstacles. Issues such as poverty, lack of awareness, and resistance to change can hinder progress. Ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all segments of society is paramount. Furthermore, international cooperation and policy frameworks are crucial for addressing global environmental issues that transcend national boundaries. By fostering innovation, encouraging responsible consumption, and promoting collective action, societies can move towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Answer the following questions based on the passage:
a) What are the three key aspects that sustainable development aims to balance? (1 mark)
b) What is the fundamental goal of sustainable development? (1 mark)
c) Provide examples of sustainable practices in India's agricultural sector. (1 mark)
d) What is the significance of the renewable energy sector in the context of sustainable development? (1 mark)
e) How is urban planning contributing to sustainable development? (1 mark)
f) Which word in the passage means "the ability to continue over a period of time"? (1 mark)
g) The passage highlights that sustainable development requires balancing present needs with future needs. Why is this balance crucial? (1 mark)
h) Discuss the obstacles to achieving sustainable development, as mentioned in the passage. (2 marks)
i) What collective actions are suggested for a more sustainable and equitable future? (1 mark)

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

a) The book was so interesting that I _____ it all night.
(i) read
(ii) reading
(iii) have read
(iv) had read

b) If it rains tomorrow, we _____ our picnic.
(i) will cancel
(ii) would cancel
(iii) would have cancelled
(iv) cancelled

c) She is ______ than her brother.
(i) tall
(ii) taller
(iii) the tallest
(iv) more tall

d) He is known _____ his generosity.
(i) for
(ii) with
(iii) to
(iv) by

e) Neither the students nor the teacher _____ the answer.
(i) know
(ii) knows
(iii) have known
(iv) are knowing

f) They _____ here since 2010.
(i) live
(ii) lived
(iii) have lived
(iv) are living

g) The principal asked the students _____ so much noise.
(i) not to make
(ii) not making
(iii) to not make
(iv) didn't make

h) She _____ her homework before going out.
(i) did
(ii) had done
(iii) does
(iv) has done

i) I wish I _____ that mistake again.
(i) will not make
(ii) would not make
(iii) did not make
(iv) could not make

j) A lot of people _____ the match yesterday.
(i) watch
(ii) watched
(iii) have watched
(iv) were watching

k) The train _____ by the time we reached the station.
(i) left
(ii) had left
(iii) leaves
(iv) was leaving

l) She is proud _____ her achievements.
(i) of
(ii) with
(iii) on
(iv) about

Q4. The following passage has an error in each of the lines. Rewrite the underlined part correctly: (1 mark each)

a) Yesterday, I go to the market to buy some vegetables.
Goes / Went

b) He is more taller than his friend.
More tall / Taller

c) She has been living here since five years.
Since five years / For five years

d) If I was you, I would study harder.
Was / Were

e) They have finished their work already.
Have finished / Had finished

f) He speaks English as fluently as his brother do.
Do / Does

g) The news were surprising.
Were / Was

h) He is respected by all his students.
By all his students / By all his pupils

i) She is interested in learning new languages.
In learning / In learns

j) Can you please pass me the salt?
Please pass / Please passing

k) He prefers coffee than tea.
Than tea / To tea

l) I saw him crossing the road.
Crossing / To cross

Q5. Report the following sentences as directed: (1 mark each)

a) The teacher said, "Honesty is the best policy."
The teacher said that honesty _____ the best policy.
(i) is
(ii) was
(iii) had been
(iv) has been

b) He said to me, "Where do you live?"
He asked me where _____ live.
(i) I lived
(ii) I live
(iii) I had lived
(iv) I was living

c) She said, "I am going to the library tomorrow."
She said that she _____ to the library the next day.
(i) was going
(ii) went
(iii) had gone
(iv) is going

d) My mother told me, "Don't waste your time."
My mother told me _____ my time.
(i) not to waste
(ii) to not waste
(iii) not wasting
(iv) don't waste

e) He said, "I have completed my work."
He said that he _____ his work.
(i) completed
(ii) had completed
(iii) has completed
(iv) completes

Q6. Read the sentences and identify the error in each. Rewrite the correct sentence. (1 mark each)

a) The committee were divided in their opinion.
Error: _____
Corrected: _____

b) Each of the students have submitted their assignment.
Error: _____
Corrected: _____

c) Neither of the options are suitable for us.
Error: _____
Corrected: _____

d) The group of tourists were lost in the jungle.
Error: _____
Corrected: _____

e) Many a student have failed the examination.
Error: _____
Corrected: _____

Q7. The following sentences are from the texts. Identify the figure of speech used in each: (1 mark each)

a) "His eyes were like stars, twinkling with mischief." (A Letter to God)
Figure of Speech: _____

b) "The wind howled like a hungry wolf." (Two Stories About Flying)
Figure of Speech: _____

c) "Hope is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul." (From the Diary of Anne Frank)
Figure of Speech: _____

d) "The waves danced playfully on the shore." (Madam Rides the Bus)
Figure of Speech: _____

e) "Old age is a shipwreck." (The Sermon at Benares)
Figure of Speech: _____

f) "The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas." (The Necklace)
Figure of Speech: _____

g) "The city was a jungle, teeming with hidden dangers." (The Thief's Story)
Figure of Speech: _____

h) "The dragon was a fierce, fire-breathing monster." (The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
Figure of Speech: _____

i) "The lawyer was as dry as a desert." (The Trial) (Implied context from general knowledge about lawyers)
Figure of Speech: _____

j) "Mandela's heart swelled with pride for his nation." (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
Figure of Speech: _____

Q8. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate collective noun: (1 mark each)

a) A _____ of wolves howled in the distance.
(i) pack
(ii) flock
(iii) herd
(iv) school

b) We saw a beautiful _____ of birds flying south.
(i) swarm
(ii) fleet
(iii) flock
(iv) bunch

c) The _____ of elephants moved majestically through the savanna.
(i) pride
(ii) herd
(iii) swarm
(iv) team

d) A _____ of musicians performed on stage.
(i) band
(ii) troop
(iii) crew
(iv) bunch

e) She bought a _____ of grapes from the market.
(i) bunch
(ii) fleet
(iii) pack
(iv) cluster

Q9. Write an analytical paragraph based on the following cue: (5 marks)

Cue: The impact of technology on interpersonal relationships in the modern era.

In today's world, technology has undeniably revolutionized communication, bringing people closer across vast distances. Instant messaging, video calls, and social media platforms allow for constant connectivity, fostering a sense of closeness with friends and family. However, this pervasive digital presence also presents challenges to genuine interpersonal connections. The curated nature of online interactions can lead to superficial relationships, and the reliance on screens may diminish face-to-face communication skills, leading to feelings of isolation despite being constantly connected. The key lies in finding a balance, using technology as a tool to enhance relationships rather than replace them, and prioritizing meaningful, authentic interactions in both the digital and physical realms.

Q10. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow: (5 marks)

“But no,” I said, “I’m going back on this same bus.”
She nodded, as she understood.
“No need to get off,” she said.
And Valli said again, “No, no, I’m going back on this same bus. I’m not going to any other.”
The conductor made a face.
“Are you sure?” he said. “You don’t want to go to the end of the route and see the sights?”
“No,” Valli said firmly. “No, I’m not going to any other.”
“And then,” she said, “I’ll just have to pay another thirty paise, won’t I?”
The conductor smiled. “Your money is as good as mine,” he said. “Just as good. Maybe more important.” He gave her her ticket.
Valli took her ticket, tucked it into her pocket, and turning her face towards the front of the bus, she stood there, facing the direction of travel.

a) Who is ‘she’ referring to in the first line of the extract? (1 mark)
b) Why does Valli insist on going back on the same bus? (1 mark)
c) What does the conductor’s statement, “Your money is as good as mine,” imply? (1 mark)
d) Which word in the extract means “firmly”? (1 mark)
e) What does Valli’s decision to return immediately reveal about her character? (1 mark)

Q11. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow: (5 marks)

“Well, I don’t know what to do,” said Lomov, clutching at his heart. “I’m getting a noise in my ears from excitement. You must help me.”
“Help him?” cried Chubukov. “How can I help him? Give him water, Stepan Stepanovitch! Look, he’s turning quite white. Stepan, lower his shirt! Hurry up and get married – and well, to the devil with you! She’s willing! My blessing, and so on. Only leave me in peace!”
Lomov sank into a chair. Natalya Stepanovna stood before him, her body trembling.
“What are you doing?!” she cried. “You’re killing him!”
“What are you waiting for? I’ll cut my throat, I swear it!” Chubukov exclaimed.
“What are you waiting for? Ask him for forgiveness!” Natalya cried to Lomov.
“Will you forgive me, Stepan Stepanovitch?”
“Oh! Yes… and you, Natalya Stepanovna, will you forgive me?”
“Yes,” said Natalya Stepanovna.
“Oh, my heart!” Lomov groaned. “My head… It’s gone… I’m dying!”

a) What causes Lomov to clutch at his heart and complain of a noise in his ears? (1 mark)
b) What is Chubukov’s immediate reaction to Lomov’s condition? (1 mark)
c) How does Natalya react to the situation? (1 mark)
d) Which word in the extract means “extremely agitated or distressed”? (1 mark)
e) What does the characters’ behaviour in this extract reveal about their personalities and the nature of their arguments? (1 mark)

Q12. Answer any FOUR of the following questions in about 40-50 words each: (4 × 3 = 12 marks)

a) Why did Lencho write a letter to God? (A Letter to God)
b) How did Nelson Mandela’s understanding of freedom evolve? (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
c) Explain the significance of the "black aeroplane" in the story. (Two Stories About Flying)
d) How did Anne Frank use her diary as a confidante? (From the Diary of Anne Frank)
e) What does the baker represent in the story "Glimpses of India"? (Glimpses of India)

Q13. Answer any TWO of the following questions in about 40-50 words each: (2 × 3 = 6 marks)

a) What was Mijbil’s favourite game? How did he invent it? (Mijbil the Otter)
b) Describe the reaction of the villagers to Griffin's invisible state. (Footprints Without Feet)
c) Why did Horace Danby choose to rob every year? (A Question of Trust)

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

a) "The Necklace" is a critique of materialistic desires and social pretension. Discuss with reference to Mathilde Loisel's character and her choices. (The Necklace)

OR

b) Richard Ebright's journey to becoming a scientist is marked by his intense curiosity and perseverance. Elaborate on the qualities that contributed to his success, citing specific instances from the text. (The Making of a Scientist)

Q15. Answer any ONE of the following questions in about 100-120 words: (6 marks)

a) Ausable's wit and presence of mind are instrumental in his escape from Max. Discuss this with reference to the events in "The Midnight Visitor." (The Midnight Visitor)

OR

b) Bholi’s transformation from a shy, stammering girl to a confident woman is largely due to the influence of her teacher. Discuss the role of the teacher in Bholi’s life. (Bholi)

Answer Key

Q1.
a) It is a vital phenomenon for India, bringing life-giving rains that sustain its agriculture and ecosystems.
b) It inspires festivals, music, and art.
c) Delayed onset, erratic distribution, or excessive rainfall leading to floods; weak or absent monsoon leading to droughts.
d) Building infrastructure like reservoirs and flood control systems, implementing drought-resistant farming techniques.
e) It plays a crucial role in forecasting monsoon patterns, providing vital information for planning and preparedness.
f) Anticipation.
g) It implies severe hardship, crop failure, food insecurity, and loss of livelihoods.
h) Climate change introduces new uncertainties, making long-term predictions more complex and challenging.
i) To ensure the resilience of India's agricultural sector and the well-being of its people.

Q2.
a) Economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.
b) To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
c) Organic farming, water conservation, and crop diversification.
d) It reduces dependence on fossil fuels and mitigates climate change.
e) Incorporating green building principles, efficient waste management systems, and public transportation networks.
f) Sustainability.
g) It ensures the availability of resources and a healthy environment for future generations.
h) Poverty, lack of awareness, resistance to change, and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all.
i) Fostering innovation, encouraging responsible consumption, and promoting collective action.

Q3.
a) (i) read
b) (i) will cancel
c) (ii) taller
d) (i) for
e) (ii) knows
f) (iii) have lived
g) (i) not to make
h) (ii) had done
i) (ii) would not make
j) (ii) watched
k) (ii) had left
l) (i) of

Q4.
a) Went
b) Taller
c) For five years
d) Were
e) Had finished
f) Does
g) Was
h) By all his pupils
i) In learns / In learning (both acceptable depending on nuance, but "in learning" is more common for interest)
j) Please pass
k) To tea
l) Crossing

Q5.
a) (i) is
b) (i) I lived
c) (i) was going
d) (i) not to waste
e) (ii) had completed

Q6.
a) Error: were; Corrected: was
b) Error: have; Corrected: has
c) Error: are; Corrected: is
d) Error: were; Corrected: was
e) Error: have; Corrected: has

Q7.
a) Simile
b) Simile
c) Metaphor
d) Personification
e) Metaphor
f) Metaphor
g) Metaphor
h) Metaphor
i) Simile
j) Personification

Q8.
a) (i) pack
b) (iii) flock
c) (ii) herd
d) (i) band
e) (i) bunch

Q9. (Analytical Paragraph)
Self-reflection is crucial for navigating the digital age effectively. While technology connects us globally, it can also lead to superficial relationships and diminished face-to-face interaction. Striking a balance by prioritizing authentic connections and using technology as a tool, rather than a replacement for real-world relationships, is essential for maintaining genuine interpersonal bonds and avoiding isolation.

Q10.
a) The bus conductor.
b) Valli wants to return on the same bus because she has already paid for the journey and wants to experience the ride back without incurring additional cost. She is also focused on her goal of reaching the town and returning, not on exploring further.
c) It implies that Valli's fare is as valuable and important as the conductor's, highlighting her maturity and insistence on being treated as an equal passenger.
d) Firmly.
e) It reveals her determined, responsible, and perhaps slightly frugal nature. She is focused on her objective and not easily swayed by external suggestions.

Q11.
a) The arguments with Natalya and her father over trivial matters, particularly regarding their properties and dogs, cause Lomov extreme excitement, which manifests as physical distress.
b) Chubukov is panicked and exasperated, oscillating between wanting to marry Lomov off quickly to resolve the situation and expressing frustration.
c) Natalya is initially agitated and then distressed, accusing Lomov of killing Lomov and urging reconciliation.
d) Agitated / Distressed / Dying (any appropriate word reflecting extreme emotional or physical distress).
e) Their behaviour reveals them as quarrelsome, prone to exaggeration, and easily swayed by emotion. Their arguments are petty, and their reactions are dramatic, highlighting a chaotic and dysfunctional dynamic.

Q12. (Any FOUR)
a) Lencho wrote a letter to God because his crops were destroyed by hail, and he believed only God could help him survive the resulting hardship.
b) Mandela's understanding of freedom evolved from personal liberty as a boy to the collective freedom of his people. He realized that true freedom involved the liberation of both the oppressor and the oppressed.
c) The "black aeroplane" symbolizes unexpected and mysterious help, appearing when the narrator is in grave danger and guiding him safely through the storm, suggesting a higher, perhaps supernatural, intervention.
d) Anne Frank used her diary as a confidante to express her innermost thoughts, feelings, and frustrations, which she found difficult to share with people due to her isolation and the need for discretion.
e) The baker, with his traditional bamboo and jingling bell, represents nostalgia for the past, a symbol of Goan culture and tradition, and the continuity of a family profession despite changing times.

Q13. (Any TWO)
a) Mijbil's favourite game was invented by himself, involving rolling a ball on a sloping suitcase, which would then run down the incline.
b) The villagers were initially suspicious and fearful of Griffin, especially after the burglary at the clergyman's house. They attributed his actions to witchcraft or his invisible nature causing disturbances.
c) Horace Danby stole every year to fund his passion for rare, expensive books, which he bought through an agent after selling the stolen jewels.

Q14. (Answer ONE)
a) Mathilde Loisel's unhappiness stems from her discontentment with her modest life and her yearning for luxury and social status. Her obsession with appearances and her desire to impress others lead her to borrow a diamond necklace for a ball. This act of vanity and pretence, born out of her materialistic desires, results in a decade of hardship and sacrifice when the necklace is lost and needs to be replaced with a costly duplicate. Her inability to accept her circumstances and her pursuit of an illusionary social standing ultimately lead to her ruin, serving as a stark critique of excessive materialism and superficiality.

OR

b) Richard Ebright's success as a scientist was driven by his intense curiosity, which began with his fascination for butterflies. This curiosity led him to research butterfly migration, undertake scientific experiments like raising butterflies and studying their life cycle, and ultimately contribute to scientific understanding. His perseverance is evident in his willingness to conduct real experiments for science fairs, even after initial failures. His mother's support, providing him with books and opportunities, was crucial. His dedication is shown in his advanced research on insect hormones and cell life, culminating in significant discoveries. These qualities—curiosity, perseverance, dedication, and a supportive environment—are the bedrock of his scientific achievements.

Q15. (Answer ONE)
a) In "The Midnight Visitor," Ausable, a seemingly ordinary secret agent, demonstrates remarkable wit and presence of mind. When faced with the armed intruder, Max, Ausable fabricates a story about a balcony and an impending police presence. He cunningly uses the knocking at the door, which is actually a waiter, to convince Max that the police have arrived. Max, believing the fabricated story and fearing capture, attempts to escape via the non-existent balcony and is presumably captured or incapacitated. Ausable's quick thinking and imaginative storytelling, rather than physical prowess, are instrumental in neutralizing the threat and ensuring his safety, proving that intelligence and composure are key in dangerous situations.

OR

b) Bholi's teacher plays a pivotal role in her transformation from a timid, stammering girl into a confident and articulate individual. Recognizing Bholi's potential despite her disabilities and neglect, the teacher patiently encourages her to speak, calling her by her real name and assuring her that it is easy to speak without stammering. She provides Bholi with a book and instills in her the value of education, assuring her that it will empower her and earn her respect. This consistent encouragement and belief in Bholi's abilities allow her to overcome her inhibitions, find her voice, and ultimately make a bold stand against injustice, demonstrating the profound impact a good teacher can have on a student's life.