Page 1 Sample Paper 13 CBSE X English

Sample Paper 13
Class X Exam 2023-24
English Language and Literature (184)
Time Allowed : 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections READING, GRAMMAR & WRITING and LITERATURE.
2. Attempt question based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A - READING SKILLS 20

Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages

1. Read the following text. 10

1. In the summer of 1967, when I was ten years old, my father caved into my persistent pleas and took me
to get my own dog. Together we drove in the family station wagon far into the Michigan countryside to
a farm run by a rough-hewn woman and her ancient mother. The farm produced just one commodity-
dogs. Dogs of every imaginable size and shape and age and temperament. They had only two things in
common: each was a mongrel of unknown and distinct ancestry, and each was free to a good home.
2. I quickly decided the older dogs were somebody else’s charity case. I immediately raced to the puppy
cage. “You want to pick one that’s not timid,” my father coached. “Try rattling the cage and see which
ones aren’t afraid.”
3. I grabbed the chain-link gate and yanked on it with a loud clang. The dozen or so puppies reeled backward,
collapsing on top of one another in a squiggling heap of fur. Just one remained. He was gold with a white
blaze on his chest, and he charged at the gate, yapping fearlessly. He jumped up and excitedly licked my
fingers through the fencing. It was love at first sight.
4. I brought him home in a cardboard box and named him Shaun. He was one of those dogs that give dogs
a good name. He effortlessly mastered every command I taught him and was naturally well-behaved. I
could drop a crust on the floor and he would not touch it until I gave the okay.
5. Relatives would visit for the weekend and returned home determined to buy a dog of their own, so
impressed were they with Shaun-or “Saint Shaun,” as I came to call him. Born with the curse of an
uncertain lineage, he was one of the tens of thousands of unwanted dogs in America. Yet by some stroke
of almost providential good fortune, he became wanted. He came into my life and I into his-and in the
process, he gave me the childhood every kid deserves.
6. The love affair lasted fourteen years, and by the time he died I was no longer the little boy who had
brought him along on that summer day. I was a man, out of college and working across the state in my
first real job. Saint Shaun had stayed behind when I moved on. It was where he belonged. My parents, by
then retired, called to break the news to me. My mother would later tell me, “In fifty years of marriage,
I’ve only seen your father cry twice. The first time was when we lost Mary Ann”-my sister, who was
stillborn. “The second time was the day Shaun died.”
7. Saint Shaun was the companion of my childhood. He was a perfect dog. At least that’s how I will always
remember him. It was Shaun who set the standard by which I would judge all other dogs to come.

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Page 2 Sample Paper 13 CBSE X English

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. Why does the writer say that he ‘grabbed the chain-link and yanked on it with a loud clang’? 1
(a) Because all the other dogs didn’t attract him.
(b) Because that was the standard procedure to select a dog.
(c) Because he wanted to pick the dog who was afraid of him.
(d) Because he wanted to see which of the dogs in that cage were timid.

ii. “It was Shaun who set the standard by which I would judge all other dogs to come.” What is the tone of
the writer in the given lines from paragraph 7? Rationalise your response in about 40 words. 2

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. 1

The author’s anointing his dog as ‘Saint Shaun’ is the ultimate honour he could bestow on his pet
because _____.

iv. The passage includes some words that occur as companions with each other. From the sets (a)-(e) below,
identify two sets of word-companions. 1
(a) unknown and distinct ancestry
(b) dozen and so
(c) age and temperament
(d) size and shape
(e) stayed behind and moved on

v. Complete the sentence appropriately. 1

For the author, Shaun became a benchmark for a good pet. It is evident from this statement _____.

vi. Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in about 40 words, how the passage is as much a tribute
to the author’s dog as is to his father too. 2

vii. Select the option that corresponds to the underlined phrasal verb in the statement. 1
“In the summer of 1967, when I was 10 years old, my father caved into my persistent pleas and took me
to get my own dog.” (Paragraph 1)
(a) He made his father succumb to his demand.
(b) He made persistent demands on his father for a pet.
(c) He consistently requested his father.
(d) His father withstood his pleas.

viii. Complete the lines from a famous poem by supplying the missing word/words taking cue from the word
given in brackets. 1
...Among the laurel bushes
And snagging goose-grass and rabbit holes,
I found what I _____ (forget), hidden
Under a wide oak

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Page 3 Sample Paper 13 CBSE X English

2. Read the following text. 10

1. The present generation is well updated with the use of internet and computers. The rapid development
in computer technology and increase in accessibility of the internet for academic purposes has changed
the face of education for everyone associated with it. Let’s look at the data arising out of a recent survey
that was done to ascertain the time spent on utilisation of the computer and internet.

2. At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based learning, as it
supplements the conventional teaching methods. The internet provides a vide variety of references and
information to academics as well as scientific researchers. Students often turn to it to do their academic
assignments and projects.
3. However, research on Internet is very different from traditional library research, and the differences can
cause problems. The Internet is a tremendous resource, but it must be used carefully and critically.
4. According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book Experience Survey, conducted by LJ’s research department
and sponsored by EBSCO, when reading for pleasure, almost 74% of respondents said they preferred
print books for leisure whereas, 45% of respondents chose e-books rather than the printed versions, for
research or assignments.
5. When asked what e-book features make them their favourite for research, the respondents were clear.
Having page numbers to use in citations, topped the list (75%); followed by the ability to resize text to
fit a device’s screen (67%); the ability to bookmark pages, highlight text, or take notes for later reference
(60%); downloading the entire e-book (57%); and allowing
content to be transferred between devices (43%) were the varied responses.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. Rearrange the following features of an e-book from the most favourite to the least favourite. 1
1. Downloading the entire e-book
2. Using page numbers in citations
3. Highlighting text
4. Transferring content between devices
5. Resizing text to fit the screen of a device
ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets, based on your understanding
of paragraph 2. 1
At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based learning, as it
supplements the conventional teaching methods in assignments and projects with information and
references is _____ (a fact/ an opinion) because it is _____ (a/an subjective judgement/ objective detail).

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Page 4 Sample Paper 13 CBSE X English

iii. Justify the following, in about 40 words. 2

People have marked preferences when it comes to reading for pleasure or for research.

iv. Based on the survey results, which two features have changed the face of education in recent times? 1

v. State any one inference that can be drawn from the following statement. 1
“The present generation is well updated with the use of the internet and computers.”

vi. Select at least two options that correctly display what ‘citation’ signifies. (Reference-Paragraph 5). 1

(a) Only (i)

(b) (ii) and (v)
(c) Only (iv)
(d) (ii), (iii) and (v)

vii. Infer one benefit and one drawback of using the internet as specified by the author in the passage.
(Answer in about 40 words) 2

viii. Which of the following is the main takeaway from the study mentioned in the passage? 1
(a) More than 50% of respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading.
(b) A little less than 50% of the respondents voted for e-books for research or assignments.
(c) About three-quarters of the respondents preferred print books for recreational reading.
(d) The survey was intended for understanding the e-book experience among students.

SECTION B - GRAMMAR & WRITING SKILLS 20

GRAMMAR 10

3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed. 1 # 10 = 10

i. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the online update. 1
By the next month, we shall _____ the project.
(a) has completed
(b) completing
(c) completed
(d) have completed

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Page 5 Sample Paper 13 CBSE X English

ii. Read the conversation between a traveller and a peasant. Then complete the following in the reported
speech. 1
Traveller : Can you tell me the way to the nearest inn?
Peasant : You must go to the Aheli inn.
The traveller asked the peasant if he could tell him the way to the nearest inn to which the peasant
suggested him _____.

iii. Select the option to fill in the blank for the given line. 1
He is our colleague. We _____ invite him.
(a) can
(b) must
(c) dare to
(d) will

iv. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a news
report: 1
The State police have launched a special drive against tractors and trolleys which created chaos in
residential areas these days.
Option No. Error Correction
(a) Against For
(b) Have Has
(c) Tractors Has
(d) These This

v. Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option. 1
I _____ this book since morning.
(a) had been reading
(b) has been reading
(c) have had read
(d) shall be reading

vi. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter: 1
Subject: Request for leave to attend cousin’s marriage
Respected Sir/Madam
I am a student in your prestigious institution. I respectfully beg that you _____ (grant) me a five-day
leave of absence to attend my cousin’s wedding.

vii. Report the dialogue between a merchant and his servant by completing the sentence: 1
Merchant : Do you really want any work?
Servant : Yes, if you have any.
The merchant asked the servant if he really wanted any work to which the servant replied _____.


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Page 6 Sample Paper 13 CBSE X English

viii. Identify the error in the given sentence from a school magazine report and supply the correction. 1
It was the amazing sight to see, a sight which no one could help admiring in spite of the trouble it has
caused us all.
Error Correction

ix. Lata shared some information with John about a visit to a hill station. Report John’s question. 1
How was your experience with the snow?

x. Identify the error in the given conversation and supply the correction. 1
Whose bag is this?
I am not sure. It must be Ann’s.

Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

xi. Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Neha and Priya. 1
Neha : Tomorrow is your birthday, what do you want as a gift?
Priya : That is a lovely thought but I don’t want anything.
Neha asked Priya what gift she wanted for her birthday the next day. Priya replied _____.
(a) I don’t want anything.
(b) it is a lovely thought but she didn’t want anything.
(c) that it was a lovely thought but she did not want anything for her birthday.
(d) that it was a lovely thought but she did not wanted anything for her birthday.

xii Identify the error is the given sentence and supply the correction. 1
I have met some people in my life but the person who has influenced me the most is Mother Teresa.

Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

WRITING 10
Note : All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.

4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A. You are Anita of Adarsh Public School, Nagal, Punjab who had arranged a trip for fifty students of
Nanital in summer vacations for ten days with ‘Mount Travel, and Tourism’. The arrangements done
by the travel agency were far below standard. The accommodation and food facilities were inferior
in quality. Write a letter of complaint to the director of the agency to stop duping tourists with false
promises as it tarnishes the image of locals. (100-120 words)

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B. You are Vinita/Vinit, a customer of Excitel Broadband. Write a letter to the Customer Care Department,
Excitel regarding the poor service of Internet connection. You are a resident of 485, Ram Nagar, Shandara.

5. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A. Global warming is primarily a result of the greenhouse effect caused by too much carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere which acts as a blanket, trapping heat. Global warming is leading to Arctic meltdown. Study
the following pie chart and write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words on factors affecting global
warming.

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B. Manisha is to write an analytical paragraph on ‘Smoking is a silent killer of life’. Using your own ideas
and the outline given below, write this paragraph on her behalf in 100-120 words.

Smoking is actually a silent killer _____ nicotine is a poison _____ dangerous to various vital organs
_____ smoking a cigarette shortens _____ causes a deadly disease _____ guide our smoking youth
_____ ensure good health to all Indians.

SECTION C - LITERATURE 40

6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 5
A. “What’s the matter with you, you fool? Shouted Ramlal. “I am only taking you to school.” Then he told
his wife, “Let her wear some decent clothes today or else what will the teachers and the other school
girls think of us when they see her? New clothes had never been made for Bholi. The old dresses of her
sisters were passed on to her. No one cared to mend or wash her clothes. But today she was lucky to
receive a clean dress which had shrunk after many washings and no longer fitted Champa. She was even
bathed and oil was rubbed into her dry and matted hair. Only then did she believe that she was being
taken to a place better than her home! When they reached the school, the children were already in their
classrooms.”
(Bholi)

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Page 8 Sample Paper 13 CBSE X English

i. Why was Bholi’s hair matted? 1

ii. State TRUE or FALSE. 1

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement - What’s the matter with you, you fool?
(a) A hypothesis - a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
(b) An assumption - something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true
(c) A statement - a definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing.
(d) A premise - a proposition that forms the basis of an argument

iii. Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel that she was going to a better
place than her home? Answer in about 40 words. 2

iv. How did Bholi feel at the end of her first day in school? 1

O
B. He wrote “To God’ on the envelope, put the letter inside, and still troubled, went to town. At the post
office, he placed a stamp on the letter and dropped it into the mailbox. One of the employees, who was
a postman and also helped at the post office, went to his boss laughing heartily and showed him the
letter to God. Never in his career as a postman had he known that address. The postmaster-a fat, amiable
fellow-also broke out laughing, but almost immediately he turned serious and, tapping the letter on his
desk, commented, “What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter. Starting up a
correspondence with God!”
(A Letter to God)

i. The author says, “He wrote, ‘To God’ on the envelope, put the letter inside, and still troubled, went to
town.” Why was the man troubled? 1
(a) He had no money for an envelope and a stamp.
(b) He needed a hundred pesos to rebuild his life.
(c) He needed seventy pesos to buy corn seeds.
(d) He knew God wouldn’t bother to reply.

ii. What do the words, “What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter. Starting up a
correspondence with God!” reveal about the postmaster? Answer in about 40 words. 2

iii. Below are given a few sentences (a)-(c) with various meanings of ‘shake’. Which of the following
sentences has used the word ‘shake’ in a similar meaning as in the passage? 1
(a) The armies did not want to unsettle the situation so they declared a truce.
(b) As soon as we finished bathing the dog, it wiggled itself vigorously.
(c) The jelly wobbled daintily n a pool of creamy custard.

iv. How would you describe the postmaster based on your understanding of the passage. 1

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7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 5
A. “I heard an old religious man
But yesternight declare
That he had found a text to prove
That only God, my dear,
Could love you for yourself alone
And not your yellow hair.”
(For Anne Gregory)

i. Fill the blank with one word. 1

The above stanza strongly defines the idea of external and internal _____.

ii. Choose the phrase that best represents, ‘love you for yourself alone’. 1
(a) Unconditional love
(b) Unseemly love
(c) Unrequited love
(d) Understated love

iii. What did the speaker of the above lines hear? 1

iv. Identify the poetic device used in the line And not your yellow hair’. How does it impact this extract? 2

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B. .... Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror,
its pieces flash now in the crown
of the tallest oak.
(The Trees)

i. Fill in the blank with suitable words on the basis of your understanding of the given lines. 1
The figure of speech used by Adrienne Rich in ‘.... Winds rush to meet them’ is _____.

ii. Why does the moon look like a broken mirror? 1

iii. Who is the wind rushing to meet? 1

(a) the birds and the insects
(b) the trees
(c) the poet
(d) the sun and the moon.

iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in these lines in 40 words. 2

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Page 10 Sample Paper 13 CBSE X English

8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. 4 # 3 = 12

i. What was the ‘appalling spectacle’ Maxwell noticed when he returned from having a hurried meal ? 3
(Mijbil the Otter)

ii. How did Anne finally stop Mr. Keesing from punishing her? 3
(From the Diary of Anne Frank)

iii. Do you think Chubukov is a good father? Justify your opinion based on your reading of the text. 3
(The Proposal)

iv. How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to
him? 3
(How To Tell Wild Animals)

v. What impression of Amanda do you get from the poem ‘Amanda!’? 3

9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2#3 = 6
i. Whose footprints did the two boys follow? Why were they charmed then? 3
(Footprints Without Feet)

ii. What did Ebright do for his eighth-grade project? 3

(The Making of a Scientist)

iii. What are the subtle ways in which the lady manages to deceive Horace Danby into thinking she is the
lady of the house? 3
(A Question of Trust)

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 1#6 = 6

A. The narrator asks a question at the end : “Who was the pilot on the strange black aeroplane, flying in the
storm, without lights ?” Discuss.
(Two Stories About Flying)

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B. Discuss how extreme behaviour can hasten the end of the world with respect to the poem ‘Fire and Ice’.
(Fire and Ice)

11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 1#6 = 6

A. Sometimes appearance can be deceptive. How is this statement proved in the story The Midnight Visitor?

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B. “If you ask for too much, you lose even that which you have.” Elaborate this with reference to the
character of Matilda Loisel in “The Necklace”.

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