SaVvy International School

Periodic Assessment-I
Academic Year: 2025-26
Grade X(ANSWER KEY)
Subject : English Max. Marks : 80
Date : 25 -04-2025 Duration : 3Hrs
Name: ________________________ Roll No:________
Section A : Reading

Q1. Read the extract given below: (10 Marks)

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 dr ought 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)
1. 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.

Ans. because the idea of artificial glaciers was proposed by a retired civil engineer in the Jammu and
Kashmir government

2. 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

3. Write any two steps followed while creating the glaciers. (2)

Ans 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

4. List two reason why artificial glaciers seem the best option. (2)

Ans. 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.

5. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 3: (1)

icing: cake:: layers: Ice

6. 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.

7. Assertion (A): Artificial glaciers have helped farmers in Ladakh to manage two crops instead of one.

Reason (R): Artificial glaciers melt in a controlled manner, ensuring water availability during the
crucial sowing season.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.

 D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

8. The word ’located’ in paragraph 3 means situated (1)

Q2. Read the following passage carefully: (10 Marks)

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 of
time, 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.

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: (10)

(i) Based on the reading and understanding of the above passage, list 2 factors contributing to the severity
of floods in India. (1)

(a) The seasonal nature of rainfall, where concentrated volumes of rain cannot be absorbed by the earth.
(b) Human actions such as deforestation, leading to erosion and siltation, which increase the risk of floodin

(ii) Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the following sentence from paragraph 1: (1)

"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."

(a) Flood information is timely but often ineffective due to lack of infrastructure.

(b) Flood information is delayed, leading to more damage.

(c) Accurate flood information always prevents damage.

(d) There is ample time to respond to flood warnings due to better infrastructure.

(iii) Based on your reading of the passage, examine in about 40 words how climate change could affect
flooding in India. (2)

Ans. Climate change may result in shorter but more intense monsoon seasons, leading to greater
precipitation in a shorter time frame. This could significantly increase the risk of flooding, especially in
areas already prone to such events.

(iv) What is the tone of the writer in the given line from paragraph 3? Rationalize your response in about
40 words: (2)

"One set of scientists has estimated that the monsoons could be shorter in duration but far more
intensive."

Ans. The tone is cautious and speculative, reflecting a concern about potential changes in monsoon
patterns due to climate change, which could exacerbate flooding issues in the region.

(v) The phrase ’spillover of water’ in paragraph 4 refers to: (1)

(a) Water overflowing its usual boundaries (b) A slow and controlled release of water

(c) A reduction in water levels (d) Water being absorbed by the earth

(vi) In sets a - e below, identify two sets of synonyms: (1)

(a) erosion and siltation (b) intensive and concentrated

(c) seasonal and continuous (d) stubborn and helpless

(e) forecast and prediction

Options:

(a) b and e (b) a and c (c) b and d (d) c and e

(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately: (1)

The cutting of trees in the mountains has led to the cutting of trees in the mountains has led to **erosion
and increased siltation, which contribute to the severity of floods.

(viii) Complete the following sentence: (1)

Flood forecasting is critical because it helps minimize damage by alerting the public and mobilizing
preventive and relief measures in advance..

Section B : Grammar & Writing

Q3. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct word.(Do any 10) (10 Marks)

(i) I___________ late for school again this morning. The teacher was not happy.

a) am arriving b) have arrived c) arrive d) arrived

(ii) Next weekend, I _____my proficiency exam, so I _____ more or less 300 questions so far.

a) am to have / finish b) am going to have / finished

c) am to have / finish d) am having / will have finished

(iii) Neither she nor I __________ at home.

(a) were (b) was (c) has been (d) be

(iv) “Shyam and his brothers” __________ a famous sweet shop in our neighbourhood.
(a) are (b) have been (c) is (d) have

(v) Electricity is express by the amount of charge flowing through a particular area in unit time.

Error Correction
expres
expressed
s

(vi) Every boy and girl __________present in the class today.

(a) are (b) is (c) have (d) had

(vii) Identify the error on a medicine bottle and write the correction

Take two spoons of syrup at the morning for quick relief from joint pains.

Error Correction
at in

(viii) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the part of the grievance posted by a
citizen on a social media platform.

Crossing this stretch at any time of the day is a challenge. Even during afternoons, there ________ ice
cream vendors on the road with people crowding around their carts.

(a) have been (b) are (c) were (d) would be

(ix) The Government has brought many changes to give relief to the common man.

(identify the error and replace it from the options given below)

(a) brought up (b) brought forth (c) brought about (d) brought in

(x) I play cricket every weekend. (play/plays)

(xi) She _____________ her daughter to school before she goes to work.
(a) takes (b) taking (c) has taken (d) took

(xii) Children have been studying online for more than a year ago.(study)

Q4. You are Sonia/Sunil of M - 3, Ashok Vihar, New Delhi. You placed an order with Messrs Bright
Publishers, Darya Ganj, Delhi for the supply of some books and stationery items. When you
checked the received parcel, you found that it contained some damaged items. Write a letter to the
publishers to replace the defective items at their cost. (100 - 150 words) (5
Marks)
OR

Q4. You are Sanjeet of 122, Arjun Nagar, New Delhi. A number of scooters and cars are parked in your
locality without any order, causing blockage of the streets. Write a letter to the local Secretary of the
Resident’s Association complaining against this problem. (5
Marks)
Q5. Your school won an award for maintaining cleanliness in and around your school. The whole
school worked towards it with dedication. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper mentioning the
steps that your school took to create awareness of cleanliness. You are School Captain, Shan
Sharma, Government Senior Secondary School, New Delhi. (5
Marks)
OR
Q5. The household water supply in your locality is muddy and not fit for drinking. Despite several
complaint letters to the civic authorities, the problem is still unresolved. Write a letter to the editor
of a local daily, in about 120 words, expressing your concern about the situation and suggesting
measures to resolve the problem and drawing the attention of the concerned authorities. You are
Somil / Soumya of 768, Silver Apartments, Ajitha Vihar, Karampeeth. (5
Marks)

Section C :Literature
Q6. Read the given extract (Any One) to attempt the questions that follow:
(5 Marks)

It was during the meal that, just as Lencho had predicted, big drops of rain began to fall. 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) Pick out the example for Metaphor from the given lines.

a) Big drops of rain b) Huge mountains of clouds

c) The pleasure of feeling d) The man went out

ii) Lencho was ____________when the rain started falling.

a) remorseful b) dejected c) regretful d) delighted

iii) The humongous clouds approached Lencho’s field from __________

a) North west b) North east c) South west d) South east

iv) What did Lencho compare the rain drops to?

a) mountains b) pleasure c) coins d) sweets

v) Which of the following statement is not true according to the given extract?

a) Lencho’s prediction about the rain became true.

b) Lencho took shelter in his house during the rain.

c) Lencho’s hopes for a good harvest were reinforced when the rain began.

d) Lencho was overjoyed when it started raining.

OR

"But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great And would suffice."

(i) What does 'it' stand for in the first line?

(a) fire (b) ice (c) destruction (d) world
(ii) What is ice symbolic of ?
(a) cold (b) happiness (c) hatred (d) love
(iii) The two things that the poet thinks are good enough for destruction are:
(a) fire and ice which mean 'hatred' and 'desire'
(b) fire and ice which mean heat and glaciers
(c) fire and ice which stand for anger and frustration
(d) The cold attitude and anger of people
(iv) What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?
(a) abab (b) abab (c) aabb (d) abaa

(v) Which of the following best describes the speakers attitude towards destruction caused by ice ?

(a) Indifferent (b) Fearful (c) Dismissive (d) Respectful

Q7. Read the given extract (Any One) to attempt the questions that follow: (5 Marks)
knew that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another
man's freedom is a prisoner of hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. I
am not truly free if I am taking away someone else's freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my
freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

(i) Why did Mandela feel that oppressor must be liberated?

(a) Because an oppressor is also not free to do anything.
(b) Because an oppressor is a prisoner of hatred.
(c) Because oppressor is locked behind the bars.
(d) All of the above

(ii) What has been robbed off from the oppressed and the oppressor alike?
(a) Their hatred (d) Their wisdom
(b) Their prejudice (c) Their humanity

(iii) When is a man not truly free according to Nelson Mandela?

(a) When a man takes away someone else's freedom.
(b) When a man takes away someone's family from them.
(c) When a man does not show humanity.
(d) When a man is narrow-minded.

(iv) What is the meaning of word - 'Prejudice' as used in the extract?

(a) Strong dislike for someone (b) Strong liking for someone
(c) Arrogant (d) Rude

(v) Pick the word from the passage which means opposite to 'soothe'.
(a) Prejudice (b) Hatred c) Humanity (d) Oppress

OR

Q7. They were days of deep content, starting well with the extra egg in the morning. improved and
sustained by the midday wine and finishing luxuriously round the fire with brandy. It was a temptation to
keep Tricki on as a permanent guest, but I knew Mrs Pumphrey was suffering and after a fortnight, felt
compelled to phone and tell her that the little dog had recovered and was awaiting collection.

(i) Mr Herriot would start well with the

(a) milk (b) brandy in the morning. (c) extra egg (d) sandwich

(ii) It was a temptation to:

(a) have fun with Mrs Pumphrey (b) keep Tricki on as a permanent guest
(c) to start the day with brandy (d) none of these

(iii) Mr Herriot felt compelled to:

(a) play with Tricki (b) take Tricki along with him
(c) tell Mrs. Pumphrey that the little dog has recovered (d) let Mrs. Pumphrey suffer

(iv) Which of the following is not true?

(a) These days were the days of deep content.
(b) Mr Herriot did not know that Mrs Pumphrey was suffering
(c) He would finish luxuriously round the fire with brandy.
(d) It was a temptation to keep Tricki.

(v) Which word means the same as ‘the desire to do something?

(a) Temptation (b) Suffering (c) Permanent (d) Sustained

Q8. Answer the following questions in 40-50 words. (Do any 4) (12 Marks)
(i) What ideals does Mandela set out for the future of South Africa? (Nelson Mandela)
Ans. Mandela had high hopes for the future of South Africa. He pledged to liberate all South
Africans from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other
discrimination. He also stressed that the beautiful land of South Africa would never ever experience
racial discrimination again.
(ii) How has Frost brought out the contrasting ideas in the poem ‘Fire and Ice’?
Ans. 'Desire’ propels us in hot pursuit of something, hence, it is compared with fire. The lust to fulfil
uncontrolled desires inundates a person into a bog from where he cannot be saved and hence,
demolished in every possible manner. ‘Hatred’ makes us cold towards others' feelings. The coldness
of ice can numb our senses and the coldness of our hearts can numb our kindness.

(iii) What insights can you draw about the postmaster from the story ‘A Letter to God’.
Ans. The Postmaster was a kind, generous, helpful, amiable and God-fearing man. He received
a letter from Lencho which was written to God asking for Hundred pesos, so that he could sow
his fields again. The postman felt sympathetic towards Lencho. He gave up a part of his salary
and asked all other employees to help.

(iv) What do the ‘crow’ and the ‘hemlock’ represent-joy or sorrow? What does the dust of snow that
the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for?
 Ans. The ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent sorrow. The snow of dust that the crow shakes off
from the hemlock tree stands for joy. Frost represents nature in a very unconventional manner
in this poem. He expresses his feelings through the ‘hemlock tree’ and crow which symbolizes
sorrow.

(v) Write the character sketch of Lencho.(A Letter to God)

Ans. Lencho was a hard working farmer, an ox of a man. A man with minimal resources, he
earned his living by cultivating his fields. He had immense faith in God. He thought that God
always helped those who had a good conscience. He therefore sought to God for help when he
and his family reached the point of hunger and he had lost all hope. Even the postmaster was
struck by his strong religious convictions and decided to help out. Although he was a farmer,
Lencho had enough education to compose a letter. He demonstrates his purity by making an
effort to communicate with God directly.

Q9. Answer the following questions in 40-50 words. (Do any 2) (6 Marks)
(i) Explain any one episode of irony in the story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’.
Ans. The irony is that the doctor understands the cause and remedy of the problem and treats
the dog without any real surgery. But Mrs. Pumphrey thinks that the dog's recovery is a triumph
of surgery because of the dog's plight. When Tricki is brought to the surgery, it is very ill.

(ii) Tricki’s triumph reminds us of the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle. Comment.
Ans. "The Triumph of Surgery" highlights the detrimental effects of an unhealthy lifestyle
through Tricki's case. Overfeeding and pampering led to his obesity and lethargy,
demonstrating the importance of balanced nutrition and exercise for maintaining good
health. The story serves as a reminder that excessive indulgence can have negative
consequences, emphasizing the need for a healthy lifestyle to prevent such issues.

(iii) What is the message that Robert Frost wants to convey to the readers in the poem ‘Dust of
snow’?
Ans, Robert Frost's poem "Dust of Snow" conveys the message that even small, seemingly
insignificant events can have a profound and positive impact on our mood and perspective. The
simple act of a crow shaking snow onto the speaker changes the speaker's initial dejected mood,
reminding them to appreciate the beauty and joy in everyday moments.

Q10. Answer the following questions in 40-50 words. (Do any 1) (6 Marks)
(i) Why did Lencho say the raindrops were like new coins? How did the same rain change the face of
Lencho’s field? (A Letter to God)
Ans. Lencho was a farmer who was waiting eagerly for the rain as his crops needed a downpour or a
shower. The rain came and Lencho felt the raindrops were new coins. According to him, the big
raindrops were ten cent pieces and the little ones are fives. He was quite happy with the rainfall. But
suddenly the strong wind began to blow and with the rain very large hailstones began to fall. He
hoped it would pass quickly but it did not happen. The rain which was a hope for a better future
changed. It shattered all his hopes and changed the face of his field. The whole standing crop was
ruined. Not a leaf remained on the trees. By seeing the crop Lencho's soul filled with sadness, the
hailstorm left him in starvation that year.
(ii) No matter how ordinary or unimportant an incident may be, it’s the reaction or the response that
matters. Taking inspiration from the poet’s reaction, write how inherent values can be picked up
and learnt. Mention any two lessons for students like you that could be useful. (Dust of Snow)
Ans. No matter how ordinary or unimportant an incident may be, it's the reaction or the response
that matters. Inherent values can be picked up by adopting a positive attitude towards nature.
Because nature is a great teacher, each little thing in nature can teach us some important lessons at
times and even a small flake of snow has its own significance. Students like us can pick these
qualities from nature that could be useful for us. For example, we should not judge anything by its
appearance; as even crow and hemlock tree is known as bad omen can bring cheerfulness in one's
mood. Even small dust of snow could prove to be useful in cheering our moods. So nothing is useless
in nature. Nature is very beautiful. One should live his present cheerfully. Sometimes, one may be in
a sad mood; but spending time with nature and enjoying the fresh air can uplift his mood by making
him realise that the present is all that matters.
Q11. Answer the following questions in 40-50 words. (Do any 1) (6 Marks)
(i).Discuss the scene of the inauguration ceremony? Who took Oath in the ceremony? Why is the
inauguration called a historic occasion for South Africa? (Nelson Mandela :A Long Walk to
Freedom)
Ans. It was the bright and clear day of 10th May, 1994. The inauguration ceremony took place in the
Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria. The most famous world leaders and representatives gathered
there. The generals and police officers were also there. They had medals and ribbons on their chests.
South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings.
First of all Mr. de Klerk, then Thabo Mbeki and then Nelson Mandela took the oath.
The inauguration can be called a historic occasion for South Africa as on this day the first democratic
government was installed. At the end of more than three centuries of the white rule Nelson Mandela
became the first Black President of South Africa.

(ii) Mrs. Pumphrey and Dr. Herriot have been invited to speak at a community pet adoption drive. There
were some differences in Mrs. Pumphrey and Dr. Herriot’s notions of responsibility and experiences
of keeping a pet.
As a reporter for the local pet magazine, write an article recording and comparing their perspectives.
Don’t forget to give it an interesting title.(The Triumph of Surgery)
Ans. Responsible pet ownership Owing a pet is a privilege, but the benefit of pet ownership come
with responsibilities. Pets bring companionship, personality and humor in the household. Having a
pet shows you responsible because they need full time and care. Animals, too, need food, shelter,
attention and love just the ways humans do. Coming home every day to the wagging tail and
happy pet after a long day is an awesome feeling. Your pet senses if you are sad, happy or just
need to be comforted. In the same way, it is our responsibility as the pet owner to take care of the
physical, mental and emotional health of our pets. Only feeding them with delicacies and providing
them comfortable bed is not enough. Time to time medical consultation is very much important.
Not only this, but the doctors advise also needs to be followed strictly. But the emotional and
mental health of our pets is as important as their physical health. Becoming responsible,
compassionate and having full time protection are the three positive outcomes of owning a pet.
Many positive experiences are to be had in being a pet owner.

Dear students
Literature answers are the sample answers. I hope you have written the relevant answers.

THANK YOU!

BEST OF LUCK!