PRACTICE QUESTION PAPER - (2022-23)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)

CLASS-X
Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
2. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, GRAMMAR & WRITING and LITERATURE.
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

Section A: READING SKILLS 20 Marks

I Read the passage given below. 10

For many of us, our childhoods were filled with wonder at the world of nature, free of prejudice
against things that slither or crawl. But as we grew up, we frequently got the message that while
puppies, kittens, and baby bunnies are adorable, cold-blooded creatures are something else
1 entirely. I know that happened to me. I too, became aware of how much prejudice exists against
snakes and the people who keep them.

While there's a stereotype of snake owners as anti-social and a little strange, Rolf defies it. Rolf
keeps a wide variety of pythons and boas and maintains a website about their care. When he
showed up at San Francisco's Java Beach to meet with me, he was open, friendly, and happy to
2 talk about his animals. Rolf's parents tolerated his obsession with snakes and even let him keep a
captured garter snake in an aquarium for a while. When the snake failed to thrive in his care,
however, the boy let it go. Today, he's gotten a lot better at figuring out what his snakes need to
be happy and healthy, but he's no less passionate about them.

Fear is behind a lot of prejudice against both snakes and their owners. "People have a slight
biological predisposition to be afraid of animals," Rolf said. "I mean, if you step on the wrong one,
it can bite you and kill you. So that's in a way, a very reasonable fear to have, even though I've
3 never had it. But over the years through media, entertainment, whatnot, there's this kind of
mythology built up around these animals, that there are these monstrous constrictors that will kill
you and eat you."

"Humans have always regarded snakes with a mixture of inquisitiveness and fear, of awe and
revulsion," wrote Harry W. Greene, a Cornell University professor of ecology and evolutionary
biology, in "Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature." They "represented healing to the ancient
4 Greeks and knowledge to the Incas; a serpent tempted Eve in the garden of Eden, and a giant
cobra shaded the Buddha.” I’m sure we can all agree that snakes run the metaphorical gamut in
aboriginal and modern lore, and in the past two decades these limbless creatures have even come
into their own as subjects of scientific study.

It's in that last mention that we find the answer to the question of just why we might want to try
a little harder not to judge snakes or snake lovers. Snakes are a vital part of ecosystems, on land
5
and in water. They are predator and prey, and have an ancient and still largely unexplored genetic
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 heritage that far predates human history.

(445 words)
Adapted:
https://www.sfgate.com/pets/yourwholepet/article/The-Surprising-Beauty-of-Snakes-2482012.php

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. 1x10
I What does the first paragraph of the given passage imply about the nature of humans? 1
A. Humans are free of discrimination towards any and all creatures until they begin
accepting the society’s stereotypes.
B. Humans are biased towards all baby animals, like puppies, because of the
innocence they represent.
C. Humans are incapable of tolerating creatures that crawl because of their innate
biological likes and dislikes.
D. Humans are initially afraid of snakes until they study the creatures and break the
popular misconceptions.

ii Which of the following qualities does Rolf possess, according to the text? 1
(i) rational
(ii) sociable
(iii) considerate
(iv) accommodating
(v) witty

A. (i), (ii) and (iii)

B. (i) and (iv)
C. (i), (iii) and (v)
D. (iii) and (v)

iii Complete the given sentence appropriately. 1

When the writer says that Rolf defies the stereotype of snake owners, s/he mean that
_________________________________________.

iv State a Reason that is true for the given Assertion. 1

Assertion: Rolf’s parents let him keep a snake as a pet.
Reason: _______________________________________

V Which of the following options best describes Rolf’s tone when he refers to what has 1
happened ‘over the years’?
A. argumentative
B. thoughtful
C. defensive
D. frustrated

(Paragraph 3)

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 vi What does the term aboriginal signify, with reference to lore? 1
It signifies that the lore is ______________.

A. extraordinary, as it belongs to another world

B. native to the region or area specified
C. an altered repetition of an old idea
D. extremely new or recently thought of
(Paragraph 4)
vii Which of the following places would this text best belong in? 1

Select the option that completes the sentence correctly.

It would belong in the ________________________________.
A. Biology text-book chapter
B. survey questionnaire about irrational fears
C. special feature section of a newspaper
D. science journal, spotlighting phenomenon around us

viii State why option (1), is the most likely blurb for Harry. W. Greene’s book, as 1
mentioned in paragraph 4.
(1) (2) (3)
Harry Greene presents every Harry Greene unfolds Harry Greene explains
facet of the natural history of the mystery of the the fascinating world of
snakes--their diversity, revival of the Byzantine snakes, through full-
progression, and Empire, with men and colour photographs and
conservation--and at the snakes caught in a illustrations, in addition
same time makes a personal deadly game deep to including internet links
statement of why these beneath the city streets, to exciting websites, in
animals are so compelling a place where the stakes order to find out more
and yet some of nature's are high - and betrayal is about these remarkable
most alluring wonders of life. death. reptiles.

[Clue: This is so because (1) _________________________ whereas, (2) points towards _________ and
(3) suggests that _________________]

ix Paragraph 5 mentions snakes as ‘predator and prey’. 1

Select which creature, from the given image, corresponds to that label.

A. fly and spider

B. only spider
C. only lizard
D. spider and lizard

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x Identify the learning presented in the last paragraph of the given text. 1
A. We are all God’s creatures, put on earth for a reason.
B. Ask to know why.
C. Unique and peculiar are two sides of the same coin.
D. Learn the facts before you assume.

II Read the passage given below. 10

Even though the demand for herbal Holi powder has gone up in recent times, synthetic dye-based
Holi powders, are generally available in the market due to cheaper raw material, popular demand
1 and easy method of preparation. Tapioca flour was thus studied, as a better and more economical
substitute, for costly starch being used in herbal Holi powders.

Aqueous solution of green food colour of five different concentrations (0.2%, 1%, 5%, 7.5% and
10%, respectively) was prepared and tapioca flour of 10% moisture content was added uniformly
2 to each, in the ratio 1:1 to form a dough. The dried material was milled and sieved to get the Holi
powder of five different shades, which were scored for brightness of colour, acceptable as Holi
powder, based on visual appearance.

On the basis of the highest score for brightness of the five shades of green color, the Holi powder
containing 10% dye was selected for further preparation of three other colors - red, orange and
3 chocolate. These products were analyzed for sensory qualities, particularly on color brightness,
texture, stickiness of the powder to skin and overall acceptability after six months of storage
(Table 1).

The study proved that tapioca flour can be used as base material for ‘holi’ powder making, instead
of sand or soil which are presently used in commercial products. Being a low agronomic input
4 requiring crop, it can be a better substitute for costly starch extracted from corn or other cereals,
which are presently used in some costly herbal Holi powders.

(251 words)
Adapted from:
https://www.ijair.org/administrator/components/com_jresearch/files/publications/IJAIR_1654_Final.pdf

i State whether True or False. 1

Paragraph 1 shares that synthetic dye-based Holi powders has seen a gradual rise in
consumer preference.

ii Which feature of the tapioca flour is intended to impact production of Holi powders, 1
according to paragraph 1?

A. Easy availability

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 B. Cost-effectiveness
C. Beneficial for local economy
D. Simpler production method

iii Identify which product substitutes synthetic dyes in herbal Holi powders. 1

iv Select the image that shows the correct mix of aqueous solution and dough, to get 1
the Holi powder, according to the text.

A. Image (1)
B. Image (2)
C. Image (3)
D. Image (4)

v Complete the sentence correctly. 1

The purpose of making five different concentrations was to check
________________.

vi Study Table 1 and state which colours Person (i) and Person (ii) would choose. 1

(i) This person wants a Holi powder (ii) This person wants Holi
that is the brightest and has a good powder that was not too bright
ability to stay stuck to the skin. but was the smoothest.

Person (i): _________ colour

Person (ii): _________ colour

vii Paragraph 3 mentions sensory qualities. Look at some qualities given below and 1
identify the one that is NOT a sensory quality.
furry pungent heavy acidic matte lyrical

viii How would tapioca flour impact the following in Holi powder? 1
(a) quality
(b) cost

ix Where would the given paragraph be appropriately placed? 1

The majority colouring agents used in Holi, contain heavy metals. These could be
mercury, asbestos, silica, mica, and lead in different proportions of toxic levels. These
can cause skin abrasions, skin and eye irritation and even asthma.
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 A. After paragraph 1
B. After paragraph 2
C. Before paragraph 1
D. Before paragraph 4

x Based on the given text, select the least useful for the study, from the options. 1
A. grinder
B. measuring instruments
C. water
D. packaging materials

III SECTION B –GRAMMAR

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10
i Fill the blank by choosing the correct option to complete a line from an instruction 1
manual.
Information given ___________ to all the products in this section.

A. apply
B. applied
C. is applied
D. applies

ii Read the conversation between two friends. Complete the sentence by reporting 1
Sudha’s reply correctly.
Zareen: Where did you spend your holidays this summer?
Sudha: I went to a hill station and did a bit of trekking too.
Zareen asked Sudha where she had spent her holidays. To which, she replied that
trekking as well.

iii Select the correct option to complete what a nurse said to a patient. 1
_____ the pains persist, don’t hesitate to call me.

A. Would
B. Should
C. Will
D. Had

iv Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the 1
following line, about a popular restaurant.
That restaurant is bound to had digital menus on its tables.

Option no. Error Correction

A. its it’s
B. That This
C. is was
D. had have

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 v Complete the given narrative, by filling the blank with the correct option: 1

It’s half past seven and Rehana _______________ her work by now.

A. will finish
B. had finished
C. will have finished
D. finished

vi Fill the blank for the given portion of an analytical paragraph by using the correct 1
form of the word in the bracket.

Clothing was the trade item on which the highest amount of money ___________
(spend) by the Spanish.

vii Complete the reported dialogue between a teacher and a student. 1

Teacher: Have you brought your homework notebook for submission today?
Student: I am sorry ma’am. I couldn’t bring it as I came directly to school from my
cousin’s home.

In response to the question about bringing the homework notebook for submission, the
student apologized and explained that she couldn’t do so as ___________________.
viii Identify the error in the given sentence from a newspaper article and supply the 1
correction.

At present, the creation of excessive carbon footprints are one of the most popular
topics causing many environmental difficulties.

Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

ix Sadiq asked Taranjeet a question regarding her project work. Fill the blank by 1
reporting Sadiq’s question.
Have you got enough analysis material, from the interviews, for your report?
Sadiq asked _____________________________________________ report.

x Select the correct option, to complete a line from a newspaper article. 1

Most major cities ___________ significantly over the last 30 years.

A. has been growing

B. grew
C. have grown
D. will grow

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 xi Report the narration of the dialogue between friends.

Mala: Can we go shopping in the evening, after six?

Jiya: Oh sure! The stores will begin their discount sale in one hour.

Mala asked Jiya for her consent to go shopping in the evening after six. Jiya excitedly
agreed and shared that the stores ______________________.

xii Identify the error in the given brand tagline and supply the correction for the same. 1

Taste so good, everyone asks for it by name

Use the given format for your response. Error Correction

IV SECTION B –CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 10

All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental.
1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A. India Post would have completed 167 years of its existence with October 2022. It is fighting for
its continued existence. As a concerned citizen, write a letter to the editor of a local daily, sharing
the causes that are likely to have led to this situation and suggesting ways to not just keep this
giant alive, but thriving successfully. You are Preethy Vignesh, residing at 192, Station Road,
Ambala, Haryana.

OR
B. You are Ranjeeta Menon, Head Girl of Brilliant Public School, Mahe, Puducherry. You have
observed that the support staff often request assistance from senior students in order to manage
their personal form-filling, applying, booking type of tasks, efficiently. Write a letter to the
principal of your school, requesting after-school adult literacy classes for them to aid self-reliance
and volunteer your services for the same. Support your request with suggestions to make the
venture successful.

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

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A. Study the given graphic, displaying steps for research that students engage in, for their projects
at school. Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words, analyzing the efficacy of these steps.
Include rationale / evidence that would strengthen / counter the given input.

OR
B. The given Charts 1 and 2 display the break-up of expenses of a typical domestic tourist group at
the Mullackal Chirapp Festival at Alleppey (Kerala) and Dungari Fair at Kullu (H.P), respectively.
Write an analytical paragraph in about 100-120 words, by interpreting the data of both the charts.

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 SECTION C –LITERATURE 40

V Reference to the Context 10

1 Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below 5

1.A That evening, after I’d finished the rest of my homework, the note about the essay
caught my eye. I began thinking about the subject while chewing the tip of my
fountain pen. Anyone could ramble on and leave big spaces between the words, but
the trick was to come up with convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking.
I thought and thought, and suddenly I had an idea. I wrote the three pages Mr.
Keesing had assigned me and was satisfied. I argued that talking is a student’s trait
and that I would do my best to keep it under control but that I would never be able to
cure myself of the habit ...

i. Select the option that displays what Anne wanted to mention by ‘caught my eye’ , in 1
the following line:
‘…the note about the essay caught my eye.’

A. hurt her eye

B. got her attention
C. seemed a misfit
D. appealed to her eyes

ii. Complete the following, with information from the given extract. 1

Cause Effect
Assignment given by Mr. Keesing _______________________________

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iii. Complete the sentence with an appropriate option. 1
When the speaker speaks about, ‘…leave big spaces between the words…’, she refers
to ___________.
A. incomplete presentation
B. untidy handwriting
C. poorly connected ideas
D. outline of points

iv. State one point in support of the speaker’s opinion that ‘talking is a student’s trait’. 1

v. Select the correct type of essay written by Anne. 1

A. Narrative
B. Descriptive
C. Informative
D. Persuasive

OR
The doorknob turned. Swiftly Max pushed with his left hand to free himself from the
sill and drop to the balcony. And then, as he dropped, he screamed once, shrilly.
The door opened and a waiter stood there with a tray, a bottle and two glasses.
“Here is the drink you ordered for when you returned,” he said, and set the tray on
the table, deftly uncorked the bottle, and left the room. White-faced, Fowler stared
after him. “But...” he stammered, “the police...”
“There were no police.” Ausable sighed. “Only Henry, whom I was expecting.”
“But won’t that man out on the balcony…?” Fowler began.
“No,” said Ausable, “he won’t return. You see, my young friend, there is no balcony.”

i. What kind of sound does the word ‘shrilly’, refer to, in the extract? 1

ii. What is Ausable’s most likely tone in the responses — ‘There were no police’ and 1
‘There is no balcony’.
A. confident
B. critical
C. boastful
D. sympathetic

iii. According to the extract, Fowler had become white-faced. 1

Select the option that would not result in someone getting white-faced?

A. discomfort
B. unhappiness
C. fear
D. distress

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iv. What would one attribute Max’s jump to? 1
Select the correct response.
A. thoughtfulness
B. patience
C. hostility
D. panic

v. Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. 1

The message that the writer wants to convey to the reader, through the extract is
that ____________________________.

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

2.A But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,

Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,
He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.
The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon,
And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon,
He fired two bullets, but they didn’t hit,
And Custard gobbled him, every bit.
i. What is the impact created by the poetic device used in the first two lines? 1

ii. Select the option that associates itself with the word ‘squirm’, as meant in the extract. 1

iii. Complete the sentence appropriately. 1

The pirate gaped on seeing Custard because __________.

iv. What does the poet suggest about Custard when he says, “He went at the pirate like a 1
robin at a worm.”?
v. Both the pirate and Custard wen against each other, but the pirate cannot be called
brave. Why?
This was so because he______.
A. needed a drink to gather courage
B. made a surprise attack
C. allowed himself to be gobbled
D. had the undue advantage of a weapon

OR

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2.B Listen. The glass is breaking.
The trees are stumbling forward
into the night. Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror,
its pieces flash now in the crown
of the tallest oak.

i. Support the opinion that the given lines are the poet’s cinematography. 1

ii. Why does the poet ask the reader to ‘listen’? 1

iii. Fill the blank with the correct option. 1

The line, ‘winds rush to meet them’ is suggestive of a/n ________________ nature, as
per the extract.

A. curious
B. eager
C. energetic
D. hospitable

iv. If one meaning of ‘crown’ in the given lines, refers to an ornament of authority, what 1
is the other meaning?

v What condition does the ‘stumbling’ of the metaphorical trees, point to, as per the 1
extract?
1. aggression towards others 2. clumsily gain footing
3. confusion about one’s condition 4. adaptation 5. herd mentality

A. 1 and 5
B. 2, 3 and 4
C. 2 and 3
D. 3, 4 and 5

VI Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each. 4*3=12

i. The Black Aeroplane has a shift from mystery to a miracle and vice versa. Comment. 3
(His First Flight- Two Stories about Flying)

ii. The author feels that Mijbil’s games had a touch of creativity in them. Substantiate 3
with one example from the text.

iii. Give two reasons to support that Anton Chekhov’s, The Proposal, addresses more than 3
one social aspect of the prevailing society.

iv. How do you think the presence of playmates could have played a role in dissuading 3
Valli from taking the bus ride?

v. The amusement of visiting a zoo is rooted in a melancholic environment. 3

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 Justify the statement in view of the poem, A Tiger in the Zoo.

VII Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2*3=6

i. How does Mrs. Pumphrey’s relationship with Tricki prove that indulgent behaviour can 3
be fatal? (A Triumph of Surgery)

ii. Despite knowing that Danby is on the other side of law, it is difficult for the reader to 3
label him a criminal. Comment (A Question of Trust)

iii. The showcasing of the failed experiment of breeding butterflies with beetles won 3
Ebright the first prize at the science fair. Rationalise.

VIII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 1*6=6

i. Knowledge of history allows us to observe and understand people and societies.

Discuss with reference to Glimpses of India – A Baker from Goa and Coorg.

OR
ii. Examine the role of Nature in the poems ‘The Dust of the Snow’ and ‘Fog’.

IX Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 1*6=6

i. Hari Singh thinks, “It was a simple matter to steal — and sometimes just as simple to
be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something
else.” Explain.
Do you agree? Why/ Why not?
OR
ii. Justify the statement with reference to Bholi.
‘One problem, discrimination — has one solution, education.’

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