CBSE Class 10 English Question Paper 2023

Set -1(2/5/1)– Solutions

SECTION A

Reading Skills
20 marks

1. Read the following passage carefully:

1. Floods are not new to India and this subcontinent, but in recent years the
problem of flooding has received much greater attention, perhaps largely because
it has led to greater damage now than it did in the past. Even though information
on the impending occurrence of floods is now more accurate and certainly more
timely, often there is very little time or support infrastructure in place by which
damage can be minimised. This is particularly true in the case of flash floods
resulting from sudden and excessive heavy rain.

2. In the case of India, flooding is very much related to the seasonal nature of our
rainfall. The monsoons are spread over a short period during the year and often
bring a concentrated volume of rain, which cannot be absorbed by the earth and
finds an outlet only in the form of streams that join up with our major river
systems. Flooding due to heavy rain is confined not only to the main rivers of the
country, but also affects smaller tributaries and streams. Once these streams spill
over their banks, they could cause excessive harm, mainly because those living
near the banks of these streams, particularly in mountain areas, do not have easy
recourse to moving away quickly.

3. One major factor that could lead to a higher severity of flooding in the future
is the danger of climate change. While the evidence of the nature of impacts,
resulting from climate change on precipitation and flooding at the regional level,
is not entirely clear, it could happen that the Indian subcontinent witnesses and
suffers the effects of a significantly changed pattern of monsoons. One set of
scientists has estimated that the monsoons could be shorter in duration but far
more intensive; in other words, much greater precipitation would take place in a
much shorter period, thereby increasing the danger of floods. Climate change is
the result of human actions through the increased concentration of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere, of which carbon dioxide is the most prominent.

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4. At the local level also human actions have heightened the danger of floods
through the cutting of trees in the mountains as well as in the plains. In case of
India, the ecological damage through deforestation of the Himalayas has led to
large-scale erosion of the mountain slopes and high levels of siltation. These lead
to the deposition of silt on the riverbeds in the plains and hence spillover of water
whenever the volume in the river reaches a certain level. With siltation on the
riverbeds, flooding occurs even at very shallow water levels. The vulnerability of
the population has increased substantially because of population pressures. An
example is the stubborn and perhaps helpless settling of slum dwellers on the
banks of the river Yamuna in Delhi, who become victims of flooding. What is a
mere trickle most of the year, bursts its banks during the monsoons, as has been
the case in recent years.

5. Flood forecasting is critical to minimising the damage from floods. It is for this
reason that the Central Water Commission has set up a network of forecasting
stations, which cover the most important flood-prone interstate rivers in the
country. These stations produce forecasts that are used to alert the public and to
mobilize various official agencies so that they take both preventive as well as relief
measures, whenever required. However, even in cases where forecasts have been
timely and generally accurate, people have often been reluctant to move away,
because in most cases they lack the means and physical options for moving away
from a danger zone to one that is relatively safe. In the case of flash floods,
forecasts are difficult to make, and often the time available for relief is very short.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given

below:

10x1=10
(i) The problem of floods has been considered more important recently because
(a) floods have led to much greater damage now than in the past.
(b) floods are resulting in increased relocation.
(c) floods occur only during the monsoon season.
(d) of problems of frequent tornadoes and cyclones in the subcontinent.
Ans: (a) floods have led to much greater damage now than in the past.

(ii) Specify the option that displays what the writer projects with reference to the
following statement.

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One major factor that could lead to higher severity of flooding in the future is the
danger of climate change.
(a) helplessness
(b) speculative
(c) denial
(d) conviction
Ans: (b) speculative

(iii) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 3:

Opinion: Reason

Some scientists estimate that shorter duration of monsoon season leads to

more intensive rainfall.

(iv) The writer claims that flood forecasting is critical to minimising the damage
from floods. State one reason for the claim.
Ans: Flood forecasting helps alert the public and mobilize various official agencies to
take preventive as well as relief measures.

(v) Even when the prediction is accurate, people do not evacuate the places where
the warning is given.
(a) True
(b) False
Ans: True

(vi) Supply one point to justify the following:

The worst-hit people are slum dwellers.
Ans: Slum dwellers often live in vulnerable areas like riverbanks and lack the means
to move to safer places.

(vii) Based on your reading of the text, list two reasons why the writer says that
despite timely forecasting people have suffered.
Ans:
• People are often reluctant to move away because they lack the means and options
to relocate to safer areas.
• In the case of flash floods, forecasts are difficult to make, and the time available
for relief is very short.

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(viii) The writer says that forecasts are difficult to make and time available is very
short. Select the reason for it.
(a) Flash floods
(b) Cyclonic rain
(c) Tornadoes
(d) Landslides
Ans: (a) Flash floods

(ix) What connect does the writer draw between tributaries and floods? (Para 2)
Ans: The writer explains that flooding due to heavy rain affects not only the main rivers
but also smaller tributaries and streams, which can cause significant harm when they
overflow their banks.

(x) Which of the following statements is/are false?

The vulnerability of the population has increased substantially
because of population pressures symbolised by :
I. People are superstitious.
II. Difficult to evacuate flood-affected areas.
Select the correct option :
(a) Only I
(b) Only II
(c) Both I and II
(d) None of the above
Ans: (a) Only I

2. Read the following passage carefully :

1. Unsafe water kills more people each year than do war and all other forms of
violence combined. Meanwhile, our drinkable water sources are finite: less
than 1 per cent of the Earth’s freshwater is actually accessible to us. Without
action, the challenges will only increase by 2050, when global demand for
freshwater is expected to be one-third greater than it is now.

2. Water is uniquely vulnerable to pollution. Known as a ‘Universal solvent’,

water is able to dissolve more substances than any other liquid on Earth. Water
pollution is the release of substances into subsurface groundwater or into lakes,

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 streams, rivers, estuaries, and oceans to the point where the substances
interfere with the beneficial use of the water or with the natural functioning of
ecosystems. In addition to the release of substances, such as chemicals, trash,
or microorganisms, water pollution may also include the release of energy, in
the form of radioactivity or heat, into bodies of water. The key causatives of
water pollution in India are urbanization, deforestation, industrial effluents
and agricultural run-offs with the use of insecticides and pesticides. The other
causes are social and religious offerings in water bodies and the use of
detergents and fertilizers.

3. Water pollution can have disastrous consequences on the ecosystem.

Furthermore, toxic chemicals can travel through the food chain and get into our
bodies, causing diseases and death.

4. There is no single or simple answer to stop the water pollution crisis.

However, there are many solutions to prevent water pollution, both in our daily
lives and within industries. They are wastewater treatment, reducing plastic waste
and water conservation. In addition to this, we must have water-efficient toilets,
stormwater management and ozone wastewater treatment.

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Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:

10x1=10
(i) Infer one reason for the following, based on information in para 1.
Less than 1 per cent of the Earth’s freshwater is actually accessible to us.
Ans: Most of the Earth’s freshwater is trapped in glaciers and ice caps, leaving less
than 1 per cent accessible for human use.

(ii) Select the appropriate option to fill in the blank:

Water is uniquely vulnerable to __________.
(a) season
(b) pollution
(c) water bodies
(d) extreme weather conditions
Ans: (b) pollution

(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph
2:
vulnerable: resilient: artificial: __________
(Clue: just as resilient is the opposite of vulnerable, similarly the opposite of
artificial is __________.)
Ans: natural

(iv) Select the correct option to complete the following sentence:

Water pollution can have disastrous consequences on _________.
(a) the ecosystem
(b) weather conditions
(c) unexpected rainfall
(d) flash floods
Ans: (a) the ecosystem

(v) From the chart, identify two causes of water pollution in our homes.
Ans:
• Household waste
• Septic tank

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 For the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 2 (v):

(v) Describe any three major causes of water pollution.

Ans:
• Industrial waste: Factories and industries discharge a large amount of waste,
including toxic chemicals and pollutants, into water bodies, which severely
contaminates the water.
• Agricultural run-offs: The use of insecticides and pesticides in farming practices
leads to these chemicals being washed into rivers and lakes during rainfalls,
polluting the water.
• Household waste: Improper disposal of household waste, including detergents
and cleaning agents, contributes to the contamination of water bodies.

(vi) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option:

One of the solutions of preventing water pollution is __________.
(a) building industries near water bodies
(b) water conservation and reducing plastic waste
(c) avoiding swimming
(d) reducing farming
Ans: (b) water conservation and reducing plastic waste

(vii) Substitute the word causative with one word similar in meaning in the
following sentence:
The key causative of water pollution in India must be addressed.
Ans: cause

(viii) According to the writer, water pollution is defined as ___________.

(Para 2)
Ans: Water pollution is the release of substances into subsurface groundwater or into
lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries, and oceans to the point where the substances interfere
with the beneficial use of the water or with the natural functioning of ecosystems.

(ix) List one way in which religious rituals impact water bodies.
Ans: Religious rituals often involve the offering of items such as flowers, idols, and
other materials into water bodies, which can contribute to their pollution.

(x) Select the most suitable title for the passage from the following:
(a) Water Pollution A Concern

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 (b) Unsafe Water A Menace
(c) Universal Solvent Water
(d) Global Concern An Urgent Need
Ans: (a) Water Pollution A Concern

SECTION B
Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
20 marks

2. Attempt any ten of the following twelve questions:

10 x1=10

(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the following report:
The inspector _________ the group sitting behind the shed and took them by
surprise.
(a) walked up
(b) walked away
(c) walked into
(d) walked up on
Ans: (a) walked up

(ii) Read the conversation between a driver and his passenger. Complete the
sentence by reporting the passenger’s reply correctly.

Driver: Do the bus timings suit you?

Passenger : Yes, if I catch the 9 a.m. one, I reach office on time.

The driver was trying to figure out whether the bus timings were convenient for
the passenger. The passenger clarified that __________.
Ans: The passenger clarified that if he catches the 9 a.m. bus, he reaches the office on
time.

(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from a fashion
magazine special.
The advertisement read, ‘_______________we dress your day? Make you special
Pick the perfect look. Pick the perfect look.’
(a) Must
(b) Can

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(c) Will
(d) Ought to
Ans: (b) Can

(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the
following line from a news report :
Yesterday, two man were rescued from a deep sewer by a policeman.

Option No. Error Correction

(a) man men

(b) rescued rescue

(c) from for

(d) by in
Ans: (a) man, men

(v) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :
The students _________ to participate in the workshop and submit a report at the
end of the day to the English teacher.
(a) were ask
(b) had been asked
(c) will have asked
(d) were asked
Ans: (d) were asked

(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word given in the brackets,
for the given portion of a letter:
Subject: Request for permission to participate in the Meet.
Dear Sir
I would like to request for permission to participate in the forthcoming inter-
school cultural meet. I ________ (interest) in taking part in the dance drama.
Ans: am interested

(vii) Report the dialogue between a grandson and his grandfather by completing
the sentence:

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Grandson: Grandpa, can you tell me what inspired you to set up a school in the
village?
Grandfather: Seeing the lack of adequate facilities and the children’s eagerness to
learn.
In response to the question about his reason for setting up of a village school, the
grandfather says that __________.
Ans: In response to the question about his reason for setting up a village school, the
grandfather says that seeing the lack of adequate facilities and the children’s eagerness
to learn inspired him.

(viii) Identify the error in the given sentence from a school magazine report and
supply the correction:
When I was a child, my grandmother often repetitions the story of her childhood
days.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

Ans:

Error Correction

Repetition repeated

(ix) Sunil shared some information with Sunita about the story he was reading.
What was the theme of the story?
Ans: The theme of the story was the triumph of good over evil.

(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the slogan by the
Animal Welfare Board.

__________ WE CUT TREES AND DESTROY NATURAL HABITAT? STOP!

BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
(a) MIGHT
(b) MAY
(c) MUST
(d) COULD

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 Ans: (d) COULD

(xi) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between
Shyam and Shivam.
Shyam: Have you seen this actor’s latest film?
Shivam: Yes, I have. The actor has done a marvellous job.
Shyam met his friend Shivam and they began talking. Shyam affirmed and said
(a) that the actor has done a marvellous job.
(b) that the actor had done a marvellous job.
(c) that the actor has been doing a marvellous job.
(d) that the actor could have done a marvellous job.
Ans: (b) that the actor had done a marvellous job.

(xii) Fill in the blank with the correct option :

There is something wonderful waiting __________ her, when she reaches home.
(a) of
(b) about
(c) for
(d) inside
Ans: (c) for

3. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below:

5

(A) You are Swati/Soham living at 14, DLF, Phase III, Gurugram. Your streets
and roads get waterlogged during the monsoon season every year. Cars stall,
drains overflow and traffic comes to a standstill. It is difficult to lead a normal life
and this adds to your woes. Write a letter in 100 - 120 words to the editor, The
Times of India , highlighting the problems and suggesting measures to control the
problem.
Ans:

14, DLF, Phase III,

Gurugram

24th July 2024

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The Editor,
The Times of India,
New Delhi

Subject: Issues of Waterlogging During Monsoon Season in Gurugram

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to highlight the severe issue of waterlogging in our locality during the
monsoon season. Each year, our streets and roads become heavily waterlogged, causing
significant disruptions. Cars stall, drains overflow, and traffic grinds to a halt. These
conditions make it extremely difficult for residents to lead a normal life.

The primary cause of this issue is the inadequate drainage system, which is unable to
handle the heavy rainfall. To mitigate this problem, I suggest that the local authorities
take immediate measures to improve the drainage infrastructure. Regular maintenance
and cleaning of drains before the onset of monsoon can prevent blockages.
Additionally, constructing more efficient drainage channels and implementing proper
urban planning can help manage the excess water.

I urge the concerned authorities to address this issue promptly to ensure the safety and
convenience of the residents.

Yours sincerely,
Swati/Soham

OR

(B) You are Rita/Rahul living at Sunder Colony, Agra. The stray dogs in your
colony are regularly fed and vaccinated by the RWA of the colony. You are
disturbed to see your neighbours treating these dogs badly. Write a letter in 100 -
120 words to the President of the Society complaining against the rough treatment
meted to them and how it impacts the behaviour of the dogs who are otherwise
very docile.
5
Ans:

Sunder Colony,
Agra

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24th July 2024

The President,
Residents' Welfare Association,
Sunder Colony,
Agra

Subject: Complaint Against Rough Treatment of Stray Dogs

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my concern about the mistreatment of stray dogs in our colony.
Despite the efforts of the RWA to feed and vaccinate these dogs regularly, some
neighbours continue to treat them harshly. This rough treatment not only disturbs me
but also impacts the behaviour of the dogs, who are otherwise very docile.

The aggressive actions of some residents towards these animals are causing the dogs to
become fearful and sometimes aggressive in response. It is disheartening to see such
cruelty towards innocent creatures. I urge the RWA to take necessary steps to educate
the residents about treating animals with kindness and to implement measures to
prevent such mistreatment.

By fostering a compassionate attitude towards these dogs, we can ensure a harmonious

environment for both the residents and the animals.

Yours sincerely,
Rita/Rahul

Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given

below:
5

(A) The following pie chart shows the major causes of air pollution in metropolitan
cities in India. Study the data and write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words.

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Ans: The pie chart illustrates the major causes of air pollution in metropolitan cities in
India. Vehicles are the largest contributors, accounting for 50% of the air pollution.
Industries and waste burning each contribute 20%, indicating that industrial activities
and improper waste disposal practices significantly affect air quality. Construction
activities contribute 10%, showing that dust and emissions from building sites also play
a role in pollution levels. These data highlight the need for stringent measures to control
vehicle emissions, regulate industrial pollutants, manage waste burning, and mitigate
the impact of construction activities to improve air quality in metropolitan areas.

For the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 5 (A) :

A. You are Rita/Rohan, Head Girl/Head Boy of your school. You decided to
make the school population aware of the advantages of tree plantation and tell
them how trees can serve as better air-conditioners. Write an analytical paragraph
in 100 120 words. Take the help of the notes given below:

Trees keep environment cool by:

(i) taking heat off the Earth and air.
(ii) absorbing carbon dioxide that helps in controlling temperature rise.
(iii) bringing rains.
(iv) checking direct sunlight.
(v) providing shade.
Ans: As the Head Girl/Head Boy of our school, I would like to highlight the advantages
of tree plantation and explain how trees serve as natural air-conditioners. Trees play a
crucial role in keeping the environment cool by taking heat off the Earth and air. They
absorb carbon dioxide, which helps control the rise in temperature. Trees also
contribute to bringing rains, thus maintaining a balanced climate. By checking direct

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sunlight and providing shade, they offer a cooling effect similar to air-conditioners.
Promoting tree plantation can significantly improve our environment, making it cooler
and more sustainable for future generations. Let us all commit to planting and caring
for more trees in our community.

OR
(B) Read the following excerpt from an article that appeared in the magazine
section of a local daily:

The ban on single-use plastic is impractical. The purpose of articles such as bags
and packing material is ultimately to make human life easier. Plastic articles make
this convenient, so they should not be banned.

Write an analytical paragraph in 100 - 120 words for the given argument. You
could give rationale/evidence that would counter/strengthen the argument.
Ans: The argument that the ban on single-use plastic is impractical because it makes
human life easier overlooks the severe environmental consequences. While plastic bags
and packing materials offer convenience, they also contribute to significant
environmental pollution. Single-use plastics are non-biodegradable, leading to long-
term waste accumulation in landfills and oceans. This pollution harms wildlife, clogs
waterways, and contributes to the broader issue of climate change. Alternatives such as
reusable bags and biodegradable packing materials provide similar convenience
without the detrimental environmental impact. By adopting these sustainable options,
we can protect our planet while still enjoying the benefits of modern conveniences.
Thus, the ban on single-use plastics is not only practical but necessary for a healthier
future.

SECTION C
Literature
40 marks

6. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below :

(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
5x1=5
To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said: Today, all of us do, by our
presence here ..... confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience
of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of
which all humanity will be proud. We who were outlaws not so long ago, have

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today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our
own soil. We thank all our distinguished international guests for having come to
take possession with the people of our country of what is after all, a common
victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.

(i) A society that __________ was born out of human disaster.

(a) all humanity would be proud of
(b) was full of extraordinary human disaster
(c) was full of outlaws and fighters
(d) hosts nations on their soil
Ans: (a) all humanity would be proud of

(ii) The former outlaws were given the privilege of _________.

(a) getting citizenship of their country
(b) participating in a trade conclave
(c) finalizing the foreign policy
(d) hosting the nations of the world on their soil
Ans: (d) hosting the nations of the world on their soil

(iii) The speaker was overwhelmed with the sense of _________.

(a) gratitude
(b) achievement
(c) happiness
(d) charity
Ans: (a) gratitude

(iv) State whether the following statement is True or False :

The common victory was when South Africa did not become an independent
nation.
Ans: False

(v) The noun for the word ‘confer’ is:

(a) conferring
(b) confident
(c) conference
(d) configuring
Ans: (c) conference

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 OR
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
5 x1=5
Think-Tank: That’s better Noddle, I wish to be placed in communication with our
manned space probe to that ridiculous little planet we are going to put under our
generous rulership. What do they call it, again?

Noodle: Earth, your Intelligence.

Think-Tank: Earth - of course. You see how insignificant the place is? But first
something important. My mirror. I wish to consult my mirror.

(i) Think-Tank wants to communicate with the _______.

(a) People of Earth
(b) Scientists on Earth
(c) Environmentalists on Earth
(d) Martians on Earth
Ans: (d) Martians on Earth

(ii) Complete the analogy by selecting a suitable word from the passage.
read: learn: : explore: ________
Ans: consult

(iii) Your Intelligence refers to

(a) Earth
(b) Noodle
(c) Little Planet
(d) Think-Tank
Ans: (d) Think-Tank

(iv) What does Think-Tank want to do?

Ans: Think-Tank wants to communicate with the Martian space probe on Earth and
consult his mirror.

(v) Fill in the blank with one word only.

Think-Tank is a __________ of the Martian team.
Ans: leader

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7. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below:
(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
5x1=5
What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street and then
Merrily over there it is in the water!
No use to say ‘O there are other v=balls’:(The Ball Poem)

(i) What does the expression ‘what is he to do’ denote?

(a) loss of the ball
(b) ask the poet for another ball
(c) boy's grief over the loss of the ball
(d) go down the street
Ans: (c) boy's grief over the loss of the ball

(ii) State whether the following statement is True or False:

Ans: False

The poet was delighted to watch the ball bouncing down the street into the water.
(iii) The poet repeats the word ‘what’ in order to __________.
Ans: emphasise the boy's confusion and helplessness

(iv) There is no use to say ‘O there are other balls’ indicates that the poet feels
that it would be _________ to console the boy.
(a) helpful
(b) futile
(c) easy
(d) shameful
Ans: (b) futile

(v) ‘What is the boy now, who has lost his ball.’
Which feeling is expressed in this line?
(a) regret
(b) cheer
(c) despair
(d) thrill
Ans: (c) despair

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 OR
(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
5x1=5
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.
Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,
And spikes on top of him and scales underneath
Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose,
And realio, trulio daggers on his toes.

(i) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the extract.
sharp:blunt:: above: ________
Ans: underneath

(ii) Which one of the following is not a feature of the Dragon?

(a) big sharp teeth
(b) spikes on the top
(c) brave as a lion
(d) could release fire from the mouth
Ans: (c) brave as a lion

(iii) What effect does the poet want to create by the simile ‘mouth like a fireplace’?
(a) emphasis
(b) compassion
(c) rhyme
(d) pathos
Ans: (a) emphasis

(iv) Complete the sentence appropriately.

It is clear that ‘Metaphor’ is the poetic device used for ‘chimney for a nose’
because _______. (Clue: explain how metaphor applies here)
Ans: it directly compares Custard's nose to a chimney without using "like" or "as".

(v) State whether the following statement is True or False based on the given
extract :
Custard’s formidable appearance was a true reflection of his courage
Ans: False

8. Answer any four of the following questions in about 40-50 words each:

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 4x3=12
a. ‘Family played a vital role in the first flight of the young seagull.’ Give
examples to substantiate the above statement.
Ans: The young seagull's family played a crucial role in encouraging his first flight.
His mother lured him with food, demonstrating the only way to reach it was by flying.
His siblings, already proficient fliers, showcased the joy and freedom of flight,
motivating him to try. The family’s persistent encouragement and demonstration of
flying skills eventually overcame his fear, leading to his successful first flight.

b. Why did Pranjol not share Rajvir’s excitement at seeing the tea gardens?
Ans: Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s excitement at seeing the tea gardens because
he had grown up in Assam, where tea gardens are a common sight. For Pranjol,
the tea plantations were a familiar part of his daily environment, unlike Rajvir,
who was experiencing the lush greenery and vast tea estates for the first time,
making it a novel and thrilling experience for him.

c. What stopped Valli from going to the stall to have a drink? What do we
learn about Valli from this?
Ans: Valli was stopped from going to the stall to have a drink because she had
limited money and did not want to waste it. She was determined to save enough
to buy a return ticket for her bus ride. This incident shows Valli's maturity, self-
control, and determination. Despite being a young girl, she was prudent with her
money and focused on her goal of enjoying the bus ride.

d. State any three disadvantages that the tiger faces inside a cage.
Ans:
The tiger faces several disadvantages inside a cage:

1. Restricted Movement: The limited space of the cage confines the tiger,
preventing it from roaming freely as it would in the wild.
2. Lack of Natural Environment: The cage lacks the natural habitat that provides
the tiger with stimulation and opportunities for hunting, leading to boredom and
frustration.
3. Loss of Freedom: The tiger loses its freedom and autonomy, leading to a life of
captivity that can cause psychological stress and physical deterioration.

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 e. The poet in the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’ conveys beauty as
temporary. Explain with reference to the poem.
Ans: In "For Anne Gregory," the poet highlights the temporary nature of
physical beauty. He suggests that outward appearance is transient and often
superficial. The poem emphasizes that true love should go beyond physical looks
and appreciate the inner qualities of a person. The poet's dialogue with Anne
Gregory underscores the idea that genuine worth lies in one's character and
spirit, which endure longer than physical beauty.

9. Answer any two of the following questions in about 40-50 words each:
2x3=6
(a) Describe Max as a secret agent.
Ans: Max is portrayed as a cunning and resourceful secret agent. He is described as
slender with a sharp, intelligent look. Max demonstrates his espionage skills by
sneaking into a hotel room and confronting another agent, Ausable, to extract crucial
information about a secret report. Despite his abilities, Max’s overconfidence and lack
of quick-thinking lead to his downfall when he is tricked by Ausable into believing
there is a balcony outside the window.

(b) What does the phrase ‘honour among thieves’ mean? Why does Horace get
angry at this phrase?
Ans: The phrase ‘honour among thieves’ suggests that even criminals have a code of
ethics and loyalty towards each other. Horace gets angry at this phrase because he feels
betrayed by another thief. He had trusted that there was an unwritten rule of mutual
respect among thieves, but when he is deceived and handed over to the police by
another criminal, his trust and sense of this "honour" are shattered.

(c) What does the thief say about the different reactions of the people when they
are robbed?
Ans: The thief notes that people have varied reactions when they are robbed. Some are
terrified and paralyzed by fear, while others may try to negotiate or plead for mercy.
There are also those who become angry and aggressive, attempting to resist or fight
back. These different reactions highlight the diverse ways individuals handle fear and
loss, reflecting their unique personalities and coping mechanisms.

10. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100 - 120 words
each:
6

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(a) Forgiveness is the foundation of a cordial relationship. Do you agree? How is
this message conveyed in the play ‘The Proposal’?
Ans: Yes, forgiveness is indeed the foundation of a cordial relationship, and this
message is conveyed effectively in Anton Chekhov's play "The Proposal." The play
revolves around the characters Lomov and Natalya, who initially engage in petty
quarrels over trivial matters. Their disputes escalate quickly, revealing their
stubbornness and pride. However, despite their arguments, they realize that their love
and desire for marriage are more important than their differences. Natalya’s father,
Chubukov, plays a crucial role in urging them to reconcile and forgive each other. By
the end of the play, the characters learn to overlook their disagreements and focus on
their mutual affection, highlighting that forgiveness and understanding are essential for
building and maintaining a harmonious relationship.

OR

(b) Why did Kisa Gotami meet the Buddha? How did Buddha change her life?
Ans: Kisa Gotami met the Buddha in a state of deep despair after losing her only son.
Overwhelmed by grief, she was desperate to find a way to bring him back to life.
Hearing of the Buddha's wisdom, she sought his help. The Buddha, understanding her
anguish, instructed her to obtain a mustard seed from a household that had not
experienced death. In her quest, Kisa Gotami visited many homes, only to realize that
death was a universal experience and no family was untouched by it. This journey made
her understand the inevitability of death and the futility of her attachment. The Buddha's
teaching helped her accept the natural cycle of life and death, transforming her grief
into wisdom and compassion. Kisa Gotami’s encounter with the Buddha enlightened
her to the reality of human suffering and the importance of letting go, ultimately leading
her towards spiritual awakening.

11. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100-120 words
each:
6

a. ‘Education is considered the most important tool for empowering women

in society. It plays an important role in social and cultural development.’ Prove
the above statements in the light of the story ‘Bholi’
Ans: In the story ‘Bholi’ by K.A. Abbas, education emerges as a powerful tool for
empowering women and fostering social and cultural development. Bholi, originally

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named Sulekha, is a girl with a speech defect and a disfigured face due to smallpox,
leading her family to consider her a burden. Initially, Bholi is ignored and treated
poorly, reflecting the societal prejudice against women and those with disabilities.
However, when she is sent to school, her life begins to change. Education transforms
Bholi, giving her confidence, knowledge, and a sense of self-worth. She learns to speak
clearly and assertively, challenging the societal norms that kept her oppressed. When
her family tries to marry her off to a greedy and unscrupulous man, Bholi uses her
education to stand up for herself, rejecting the marriage. This act of defiance illustrates
how education empowers women to make informed decisions, advocate for their rights,
and contribute meaningfully to society. Bholi’s transformation from a timid, neglected
girl to a confident, educated woman highlights the critical role of education in
promoting gender equality and social progress.
OR

b. Matilda’s over-ambitiousness was the cause of her destruction. Justify.

Ans: In Guy de Maupassant's story "The Necklace," Matilda Loisel's over-
ambitiousness and desire for a luxurious lifestyle lead to her downfall. Matilda dreams
of wealth and social status, feeling discontent with her modest life as the wife of a
clerk. When she is invited to a high-society ball, her desire to appear affluent compels
her to borrow a seemingly expensive necklace from her friend Madame Forestier. At
the ball, she enjoys the admiration and attention she craves, but her joy turns to despair
when she loses the necklace. Instead of confessing to her friend, Matilda's pride and
ambition lead her to replace the lost necklace with a costly one, plunging her and her
husband into severe debt. They endure years of hardship and poverty to repay the loans
taken to buy the replacement necklace. Ultimately, Matilda’s ambition and vanity
result in her physical and emotional suffering. Ironically, she discovers later that the
original necklace was a fake, underscoring the futility of her aspirations. Matilda’s
story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive ambition and the value
of honesty and contentment.

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