SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 4

English Language and Literature (184)

Class X (2024-25)

Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. The question paper contains THREE sections -
Section - A : Reading Skills
Section - B : Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section - C : Literature Text Book
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section A - Reading Skills
1. Read the passage given below: [10]
1. Hiking is a great source of pleasure to us besides being beneficial for health.
Once we leave the crowded streets of a city and go out for a walking tour away
from the mad world, we really feel free. The open air has a bracing effect on the
mind. The congestion of the city, the uproar and tumult, the intolerable noise of
traffic, the hectic daily routine, all these are forgotten and the mind is at ease.
We then feel like running, leaping, singing and laughing. We travel merrily mile
after mile in the company of friends and associates.
2. Hiking takes us in the midst of nature. The sight of waterfalls, flowers, streams,
trees and bushes is pleasing. A connect is established between us and nature.
Various sounds of nature, like the murmur of a brook or the song of a bird,
acquire a new meaning and significance to us.
3. You enjoy the beauty of nature. Minute observations like a snake casting its
slough, a mouse peeping out of its hole, a squirrel leaping about on the
branches of a tree, a bird flying past us, all these are noticed and they arouse
our interest. We have no business worries, no fear of the examination, no
anxiety about the home. We have leisure to stand, to walk and talk. It is more
thrilling and pleasurable to hike in a mountainous region than in the plains. The
excitement of climbing up to the top of a hill, the adventure of coming down a
 slope, the grandeur of sunset behind a mountain - All these sights lend a rare
charm and interest to our journey.
4. We walk along a zigzag motor road or cut across a mountain path in search of
adventure. We may have bright sunny weather or might get caught in a shower
of rain. We may look below us into the yawning chasm or up at the mountain
peak. The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy.
5. Hiking is one of the healthiest sports. It ensures a complete escape from the
urgent and busy activities of life and therefore gives solace to our brain. It
regains its lost energy and is able to do twice as much work as before.
6. The fresh air, beautiful mountains, majestic trees, chirping sound of birds make
one's mind and soul at peace with nature.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions below:
(10)
i. (i) Based on the reading and understanding of the above passage, list 2 reasons
why hiking is considered beneficial. (1)
(a) ________
(b) ________
ii. Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the following sentence
from paragraph 1: (1)
"The open air has a bracing effect on the mind."
(a) Fresh air causes discomfort and unease.
(b) The fresh air refreshes and strengthens the mind.
(c) Open air leads to congestion in the mind.
(d) The open air reduces physical strength.
iii. Based on your reading of the passage, examine in about 40 words how hiking
connects us with nature. (2)
iv. What is the tone of the writer in the given line from paragraph 3? Rationalize
your response in about 40 words: (2)
"It is more thrilling and pleasurable to hike in a mountainous region than in the
plains."
v. The phrase 'yawning chasm' in paragraph 4 refers to: (1)
(a) a wide and deep gap
(b) a narrow and shallow gap
(c) a bridge connecting two areas
(d) a small and safe path
 vi. In sets a-e below, identify two sets of synonyms: (1)
a. hectic and calm
b. solitude and peace
c. bracing and refreshing
d. adventure and monotony
e. charm and allure
Options:
a. c and e
b. a and d
c. b and c
d. b and e
vii. Complete the sentence appropriately: (1)
Hiking is thrilling because it involves ________.
viii. Complete the following sentence: (1)
The fresh air and beautiful scenery during a hike ________.

2. Read the extract given below: [10]

1. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh
began to experience water shortages, life didn't grind to a halt. Why? Because a
retired civil engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir Government came up with the
idea of artificial glaciers.
2. Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 meters above sea level, has a
low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm . Glaciers have always been the only
source of water. Agriculture is completely dependent on glacier melt, unlike the
rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years, with increasing effects of
climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in
severe shortage and drought situations. Given the extreme winter conditions,
the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.
3. It is located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one
closer to the village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during
April-May, the crucial sowing season. Further, layers of ice above melt with the
increasing temperature, thus ensuring continuous supply to the fields.
Therefore, farmers have been able to manage two crops instead of one. It costs
about 1,50,000 and above to create a glacier.
4. Fondly called the glacier man, he has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and
around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort, he was
 conferred the Padma Shri by The President of India.
5. There are a few basic steps followed while creating an artificial glacier. River
or stream water at high altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing
north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the
start of winter i.e., in November, the diverted water is made to flow on sloping
hills facing distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular
intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools which freeze,
forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4
months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an
'artificial glacier'.

Based on your understanding of the extract, answer the questions below: (10)
i. Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph 1. (1)
Areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortage but life didn't
grind to a halt.
ii. Select from the passage the appropriate option to fill in the blanks: (1)
Agriculture is completely dependent on ________ unlike the rest of
river/monsoon-fed India.
a. rainfall pattern
b. climate change
c. glaciers melt
d. extreme winter conditions
iii. Write any two steps followed while creating the glaciers. (2)
iv. List two reason why artificial glaciers seem the best option. (2)
v. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph
3: (1)
icing: cake:: layers: ________
vi. Select the correct option to complete the following sentence: At the start of
winter the diverted water is made to flow ________. (1)
a. on sloping hills facing distribution channels.
 b. on high altitude.
c. on ice-cold water level.
d. on mountain range.
vii. Fill in the blank by selecting from the passage the correct option: (1)
The ________ have been the only source of water in areas in and around
Ladakh.
a. glaciers
b. rivers
c. streams
d. water springs
viii. The word 'located' in paragraph 3 means ___________. (1)

SECTION B GRAMMAR
3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed [10]

(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the [1]
given portion of a letter:
Since you have been found guilty of _______ (deliver) poor results for six
months at a stretch, we are issuing this warning letter to warn you.

(ii) Identify the error and supply correction for the following note in an [1]
environmental study:
The study examines the relation of carbon emissions and global warming.
Use the given format for your response:
Error Correction

(iii) Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence. [1]
Rahul: Saheb, what did you like most about your visit to the village?
Saheb: The sense of joy in the simple things of life.
In response to the question about what he liked about his visit to the village,
Saheb says ________.

(iv) Read the dialogue between Manish and his father, regarding Manish's cricket [1]
coaching.
Father: Did you get a new coach in the academy to train you?
Manish: Yes, the new coach is very motivating and pushes us to perform better.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
 Manish's father asked him ________.
Manish answered in the affirmative and added that the new coach was very
motivating and pushed them to perform better.

a) if he is getting a new coach in b) whether he got a new coach

the academy to train him. to train him.

c) whether he gets a new coach d) if he got a new coach in the

in the academy to train him. academy to train him.

(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option. [1]

Both players in the tennis match have been warned by the referee but ________
(either / neither / every) of them seems to take it seriously.

(vi) Identify the error in the given sentence, from a report from the News for Kids [1]
site and supply the correction.
Bee bus stops are a small step toward supporting important pollinate insects.
Use the given format for your response.
error correction

(vii) Identify the error and supply the correction. [1]

Both the boys had got a scolding but either of them paid heed.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

(viii) It seems that somebody_____ to my father before the meeting, complaining [1]
that I _____ late for school four times last week.

a) writes / was b) wrote / would be

c) had written / was d) has written / have been

(ix) Ritu met Anita and saw her crying. [1]

Report Ritu’s question.
Ritu: Anita, what is the matter?

(x) He said to the interviewer, "Could you please repeat the question?" [1]
Reported speech: ________

a) He requested the interviewer b) He requested the interviewer

if he could please repeat the if he could repeat the
 question. question.

c) He requested the interviewer d) He requested the interviewer

to repeat the question. to please repeat the question.

(xi) Complete the line from a self-awareness song, by filling the blank with the [1]
correct option.
Long, Long afterward in an oak
I ________ the arrow still unbroke,
A. found
B. find
C. finds
D. am finding

(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following: [1]
Delhi Haat, INA, New Delhi
ENCHANTING LADAKH 2021
The exhibition-cum-sale showcasing the arts, crafts and looms of Ladakh by
the artisans and craftspeople of Kargil and Leh.

Use the given format for your response.

error correction

SECTION B CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

4. The condition of the public park in your locality is miserable. Write a letter to the [5]
editor of a local newspaper with the help of the points given below. You are
Ranjit/Reshma.

Poorly managed parks

Heaps of garbage everywhere
Boundary wall is broken
Very dirty animals resting there

OR
You are Ram/Rani of B-107, Fateh Nagar, New Delhi. The government has banned
single-use plastic in the country. You feel that the government has taken a right step
towards the improvement of environment and if implemented sincerely at all levels, it
 can produce a great change. Write a letter in 100 - 150 words to the editor of a local
newspaper expressing your views on the use of plastics.

5. Many out-of-school children are employed in various odd jobs in India. Child [5]
labour deprives children of their right to go to school and reinforces
intergenerational cycles of poverty. Based on the data given below in the pie chart,
write an analytical paragraph, in
about 120 words, analyzing the situation and probable reasons that lead children to
become a part of the child labour force.
CHILD LABOUR IN INDIA

OR
The given graph shows the increment in consumption of nuts over a period of three
years. Write an analytical paragraph based on the given information.

SECTION C - LITERATURE
6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, [5]
given.

(i) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: [5]
Ausable was, for one thing, fat. Very fat. And then there was his accent. Though
 he spoke French and German passably, he had never altogether lost the
American accent he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years ago.
‘‘You are disappointed,’’ Ausable said wheezily over his shoulder.
i. Who is ‘you’ here? (1)
a. Fowler
b. Ausable
c. Waiter
d. Max
ii. How is Ausable different from other secret agents? (2)
iii. 'You’ believed that Ausable was ________. (1)
iv. It can be inferred from the extract that a secret agent is expected to be (1)
1) fit.
2) compassionate.
3) apologetic.
4) suave.
5) violent.
a. Option 1, 3 & 5
b. Option 1 & 4
c. Option 2 ,4 & 5
d. Option 2 & 3

(ii) Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: [5]
In the north-east huge mountains of clouds could be seen approaching. The air
was fresh and sweet. The man went out for no other reason than to have the
pleasure of feeling the rain on his body and when he returned he exclaimed,
"These aren't raindrops falling from the sky, they are new coins. The big drops
are ten cent pieces and the little ones are fives."
i. Why did Lencho go out in the rain? Answer in about 40 words. (2)
ii. State TRUE or FALSE. None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be a true
reference to the following statement 'Lencho compared the rain drops to new
coins.' (1)
a. Lencho enjoys rainfall as it provides a pleasant weather to his family.
b. The raindrops help him to grow and harvest the crops, which results in
more prosperity.
 c. They reflect light and have a shiny appearance, especially when they are
freshly fallen.
d. Lencho depends on rain for farming.
iii. Which phrase/word would correctly substitute 'huge' in the given sentence
from the extract.
'In the north-east huge mountains of clouds could be seen approaching.' (1)
iv. State any one inference about Lencho from the given context: (1)
"The man went out for no other reason than to have the pleasure of feeling
the rain on his body and when he returned he exclaimed, "These aren't
raindrops falling from the sky, they are new coins."

7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, [5]
given.

(i) Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow: [5]
All night the roots work to
disengage themselves from the cracks
In the veranda floor.
The leaves strain toward the glass
Small twigs stiff with exertion
Long cramped boughs shuffling under the roof
Like newly discharged patients
Half dazed moving
To the clinic doors.
i. Choose the correct option that mentions the correct poetic device against the
correct example. (1)
Simile Long cramped boughs
(1)
Metaphor Like newly discharged patients
Personification Small twigs stiff with exertion
(2)
Simile Like newly discharged patients
Refrain Under the roof
(3)
Simile Leaves strain toward the glass
Personification Like newly discharged patients
(4)
Refrain Half-dazed, moving
A. Option (1)
 B. Option (2)
C. Option (3)
D. Option (4)
ii. Why do the leaves strain towards the glass? (1)
iii. Comment on the work done by trees according to the poet. (1)
iv. The poet compares the trees to “newly discharged patients”. Highlight any
two reasons for the same. (2)

(ii) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: [5]
Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!
But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,
Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mousehold.
i. Pick an option that best fits the usage of the word’ trickled’ as used in the
extract. (1)
a. The water trickled down the tap and filled the trough.
b. Students trickled into the classroom as the teacher entered.
c. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she heard the sad news.
d. His enthusiasm for the task slowly trickled away.
ii. Where did Blink hide himself? (1)
iii. Fill in the blank with one word which means the same as 'ran away'
________. (1)
iv. Comment on the humour used in these lines. (2)

8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words [12]

(i) Why did the children become excited to see the baker? What did they do then? [3]

(ii) How does the poem point to the cruelty of animals in captivity? Answer in the [3]
context of the poem A Tiger in the Zoo.

(iii) What does Lomov think when he is alone? [3]

(iv) What did Anne Frank write in the third essay? [3]

(v) What do you think would be enough to destroy the world? Can Fire and Ice [3]
contribute to it?
 9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. [6]

(i) What kind of a person do you think the narrator of 'A Triumph of Surgery', a [3]
veterinary surgeon, is? Would you say he is tactful as well as full of common
sense?

(ii) Bholi had many apprehensions about going to school. What made her feel that [3]
she was going to a better place than her home?

(iii) What did Griffin tell Mrs. Hall about his uncommon appearance? [3]

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words [6]

(i) The young seagull's parents wanted him to fly, like his brothers and sister. How [6]
could the young seagull's newly flying siblings (Brother 1, Brother 2 and
Sister) have motivated him? Write a brief conversation among them.

(ii) After having read the lesson on the oppression that communities faced in South [6]
Africa, you were deeply hurt. You could also relate to the struggles and
hardships of millions of Indians who fought against the oppressive British rule.
Write a diary entry expressing your feelings about oppression faced by people
in their homeland. You may begin like this:
24 August 20XX,
Monday 9:00 pm My heart is filled with sadness as I think of the oppressed
who had to tolerate the inhuman attitude of the oppressors in their own land ...

11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. [6]

(i) One of your friends has to attend a class party at his/her school and wants to [6]
purchase the most expensive clothes and shows. He/She feels that this would
make him/her stand out in the crowd.
You receive a call from your friend seeking advice on this matter. Write down
that telephonic conversation between your friend and yourself.
You may begin this way:
Friend: Hey, I want an honest opinion from you. Will you please help me?
You: ...
Friend: So, there's this class party I have to attend. It's a big deal!
You: ...
Answer in the context of the lesson The Necklace.

(ii) What does he get from Anil in return for his work? (The Thief's Story) [6]
 Solution
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 4
English Language and Literature (184)
Class X (2024-25)
Section A - Reading Skills
1. i. (a) It provides a sense of freedom and relief from the congestion and noise of city life.
(b) It connects us with nature, allowing us to observe and appreciate the beauty around
us.
ii. (b) The fresh air refreshes and strengthens the mind.
iii. Hiking allows us to immerse ourselves in the natural environment, where we can
observe and appreciate details like the sounds of a brook, the songs of birds, and the
movement of animals. This experience fosters a deep connection with nature.
iv. The tone of the writer is enthusiastic and appreciative. The writer expresses excitement
about the adventure and beauty of hiking in mountainous regions, highlighting the
unique charm and interest it brings to the experience.
v. (a) a wide and deep gap
vi. (a) c and e
vii. Hiking is thrilling because it involves exploring challenging terrains and enjoying the
excitement of adventure.
viii. The fresh air and beautiful scenery during a hike bring peace and relaxation to both
mind and soul.
2. i. because the idea of artificial glaciers was proposed by a retired civil engineer in the
Jammu and Kashmir government.
ii. Agriculture is completely dependent on glaciers melt unlike the rest of river/monsoon-
fed India.
iii. Any two steps taken while creating glaciers include diverting stream water to a shaded
area of a north-facing hill. At the start of winter, this water is made to flow on sloping
hills facing distribution channels.
iv. Water Supply During Dry Seasons: Artificial glaciers store water during the winter
months, which can then be gradually released during the dry season, providing a
consistent water supply to communities in arid regions.
Low-Cost and Sustainable Solution: Creating artificial glaciers is a relatively low-
cost and environmentally friendly method compared to other water storage solutions,
making it a sustainable option for regions with limited resources.
v. Icing : cake :: layers : Ice.
vi. At the start of winter the diverted water is made to flow on sloping hills facing
distribution channels.
vii. The glaciers have been the only source of water in areas in and around Ladakh.