ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE Previous Year Question paper CBSE Class 10
CBSE Board Class 10 Previous Year Question Paper
OLD/ Last year question Paper CBSE Board Class 10
ENGLISH COMMUNICATIVE
Previous Year Question Paper CBSE Class 10
General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
(i) The question paper is divided into four sections A, B, C and D:
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Section A: Reading Skills — 22 marks
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Section B: Writing Skills — 22 marks
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Section C: Grammar — 10 marks
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Section D: Literature Textbook — 26 marks
(ii) There are 10 questions in the question paper. All questions are compulsory.
(iii) Answers should be brief and to the point.
(iv) You may attempt any section at a time.
(v) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.
(vi) Instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
SECTION A - (Reading Skills) [22 marks]
1. Read the following passage carefully : [12 marks]
(1) India, often celebrated as a land of diversity, is a unique blend of various cultures, languages, religions, and traditions. Known for its rich historical heritage, India stands as a testament to the coexistence of a multitude of identities harmoniously under one nation.
(2) The Indian subcontinent is home to a multitude of languages. The Constitution of India recognizes 22 official languages, with Hindi being the most widely spoken. Besides, there are over a thousand dialects spoken across the country. This linguistic diversity is reflective of India's cultural richness and its people's adaptability and acceptance of varied means of expression.
(3) Religion plays a central role in the lives of many Indians, contributing significantly to the country's cultural diversity. India is the birthplace of major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, and also harbours significant populations of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and other communities. Religious festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Vesak are celebrated with great enthusiasm, showcasing this unity in diversity.
(4) The Indian cuisine is another example of regional diversity turning into a national treasure. From the fiery dishes of the south to the rich curries of the north, and from the sweets of Gujarat to the street food of Mumbai, each region contributes to the subcontinent's eclectic palate. This culinary variety not only highlights India's diverse geography but also brings people together through a shared love for food.
(5) Cultural practices vary widely across regions. Traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu, Kathak from North India, and Odissi from Odisha, along with classical music forms like Carnatic and Hindustani, illustrate the rich tapestry of regional art forms that together represent India's cultural unity.
(6) The principle of unity in diversity is perhaps best reflected in the Indian democratic system, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to participate in the world's largest democracy. The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all its citizens, ensuring equality and justice by transcending regional and cultural barriers.
(7) Challenges to this unity arise, such as regional conflicts and cultural misunderstandings, but the overarching narrative of mutual coexistence persists. India's ability to embrace diversity as a strength rather than a hindrance sets it apart globally as a symbol of unity.
Answer the following questions based on the above passage:
(i) The celebration of various festivals in India demonstrates: [1]
(A) expertise
(B) skills
(C) regionalism
(D) diversity
(ii) What role does language play in Indian diversity? [1]
(A) It is a unique blend of various religions.
(B) It stands as a testament to South-east Asia.
(C) It reflects India's cultural richness.
(D) It ensures justice for all.
(iii) Complete the following suitably: [1]
India stands as a testament to the coexistence of a multitude of identities harmoniously because ______
(iv) Rectify the given false statement: [1]
The linguistic diversity is reflective of the people's intolerance of varied means of expression.
(v) List any one classical music form mentioned in the passage. [1]
(vi) What does the Indian Constitution guarantee to all its citizens? [1]
(vii) How is Indian cuisine an example of regional diversity? [2]
(viii) Explain in about 30-40 words, how the various Indian art forms represent cultural unity. [2]
(ix) What is the overarching narrative of India's existence as per the passage? [2]
2. Read the following passage carefully: [10 marks]
Why do people travel?
(1) There are many reasons for travel. Most tourist trips can be placed under the following categories.
(2) Leisure tourism trips make up 42% of travel. The main purpose is relaxation, rest and enjoyment. Most holidays are taken in family groups, couples or with groups of friends. Sometimes, people may choose to go on holiday by themselves to be on their own, or perhaps to meet new friends. Short breaks of less than one week are also becoming increasingly popular as second holidays. People choose to spend 2 or 3 nights away from home on a short break over a weekend or mid-week to relax and destress. These holiday choices are driven by what memorable experiences we hope to create and what we class as our definition of spending quality time together.
(3) Health and fitness tourism, such as a cycling tour, trekking, or a walking holiday (5%), is growing in popularity amongst the youth today. Also, sports tourism (3%) wherein sports tours are taken as a spectator, such as a visit to a major sporting event like the Olympics or a World Cup in another city or country.
(4) Health tourism (10%) implies going to a different country to have an operation or medical treatment not available or too expensive in the country where the person usually lives. This is making India a popular destination because of the excellent medical facilities it has to offer.
(5) Educational tourism (3%) covers school and college visits and foreign language exchanges linked directly to study experiences and are short visits made by high school students as they prepare for further studies.
(6) Spiritual tourism (2%) is where people travel both inbound and outbound to places of worship according to their beliefs.
(7) Business tourism (35%) Many people have to travel in the course of their business life apart from making a regular journey to and from where they normally work. It may involve driving to a meeting or flying to another country for conferences or corporate events. Business tourism is very important to the travel and tourism industry as it takes place all through the year and some travel and tourism businesses, such as budget hotel chains, rely heavily on income from business travellers.
Answer the following questions based on the above passage:
(i) Complete with a suitable reason: [1]
People go on holidays together to ______
(ii) Fill in the blank with an appropriate word/phrase: [1]
The phrase 'driven by' in paragraph (2) suggests that the choice of holiday destination ______ people's experiences.
(iii) Short holidays of 2-3 days are becoming popular: [1]
(A) because people have limited holidays.
(B) because people have increased their holiday budgets.
(C) to take a break from the stress of daily life.
(D) to visit historical places.
(iv) Why do tourists travel abroad for sports tourism? [1]
I. It is more economical.
II. To watch family members play.
III. To be spectators at world events.
IV. It doubles up for both sports and leisure.
V. To train for sporting events.
Select the correct option:
(A) Only I
(B) II and V
(C) II, III and IV
(D) Only III
(v) Why is India a popular destination for health tourism? [1]
(vi) Which is the most popular form of tourism and why? [2]
(vii) Explain why business tourism is important for the travel industry. [2]
(viii) According to the above statistics, which form of tourism is the least popular at the present moment? [1]
SECTION B - (Writing Skills) [22 marks]
3. You are Rishabh/Rishita, Class Prefect of Class IX A. Write an email, in 50 words, to the Principal of your school, requesting him/her to provide an interactive board in your classroom. Include valid reasons for your request. [3]
You may copy the given template to write your email:
4. Write a factual description, in not more than 100 words, of a working model of 'Save Your Earth' that you have prepared for your school's Earth Day Exhibition. [4]
5. (a) The National Bravery Awards are given to honour those children who have demonstrated selfless courage in the face of all odds. These awards serve as inspiration to other children and motivate them to follow in their footsteps. Similarly, the government should institute National Environment Crusader Awards for children who dedicate themselves to spreading awareness about saving the environment. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in 120 words, expressing your views on the above. Use your own ideas along with ideas from the unit Environment, to write the letter. [7]
OR
(b) 'Atithi Devo Bhava' has been India's stand since times immemorial. However, you feel, to attract tourists, only tourism promotional drives do not suffice. It is important to sensitize those in the tourism industry to conduct themselves with propriety as hosts, and they must treat the tourists with respect, ensure their safety and support them during their visit. As Herbu R., write a letter to the Tourism Department expressing your concerns. Use your own ideas along with the ideas from the unit: Travel and Tourism, to write the letter in not more than 120 words. [7]
6. (a) 'Laugh out loud and feel happy and fit inside out' for laughter is the best medicine. With stress mushrooming all around and among all ages, Laughter Yoga seems a great alternative way to physical and mental health. Use cues given below along with your own ideas and those you may have gathered from the unit: Health and Medicine, to write an article for your school magazine in about 150 words describing benefits of Laughter Yoga. [8]
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Cues: Improves Cardiovascular health | Boosts Immune System → production of antibodies → activation of immune cells | Reduces stress | No special equipment required | Cost effective
OR
(b) To meet the employment needs, the youth today are venturing into startups. As Veena/Veer of Class XA, write an article in about 150 words, for your school magazine discussing the merits of startups as a boon to self-reliance. [8]
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Use the cues given below along with your ideas and those you may have gathered from the unit: Education, to write the article:
• From job seeker to job creator
• Economic growth
• Self-reliance
• Decision-making freedom
• Flexible working conditions
SECTION C - (Grammar) [10 marks]
7. Complete the tasks from (a) - (c), as directed.
(a) Fill in the blanks (i) - (iii) with the appropriate option from those in the brackets: [3]
Prerna and Sushil ______ (has/have/had) spent years together. On growing up they ______ (had got/have got/got) separated and went their own ways. Sushil ______ (becomes/became/had become) a well-known sports personality while Prerna pursued her artistic passion.
(b) In the following paragraph, one word has been omitted in each line. In your answer sheet, remember to write the missing word along with the word that comes before and after it as shown below. The first one has been done as an example: [4]
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e.g. A particular mineral that will formed from a certain combination of elements.
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(i) This depends the physical
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(ii) and chemical conditions under the material forms.
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(iii) This results a wide range of colours,
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(iv) hardness, crystal forms, lustre density that a particular mineral possesses.
(c) Do as directed:
(i) Rearrange the following jumbled words/phrases in the given dialogue to create a meaningful sentence: [1]
The King summoned his ministers who were whispering to each other and said to them:
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The King: What are you whispering about?
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Minister 1: Your highness, we were talking about the new education policy in the country.
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Minister 2: education experience / a more dynamic / for a holistic / the NEP is / and wholesome / pave the way/ approach / which will
(ii) Report the dialogues to complete the paragraph that follows: [1+1=2]
The King summoned his ministers who were whispering to each other and said to them:
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The King: How will the new policy benefit college students?
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Minister 2: The policy will provide for an interdisciplinary education that has flexible study plans.
The King asked Minister 2 how would the new education policy benefit college students?
Minister 2 told the king that the new education policy ______ interdisciplinary education ______ flexible study plans.
SECTION D - (Literature Textbook) [26 marks]
8. Read the following excerpts and answer the questions briefly, for any two excerpts, of the given three, (a), (b), (c): [4 + 4 = 8 marks]
(a)
"I am important to her. She comes and goes.
Each morning it is her face that replaces the darkness.
In me she has drowned a young girl, and in me an old woman
Rises toward her day after day, like a terrible fish."
(Mirror)
(i) Why is the mirror important for her? [1]
(ii) With what hope does the woman keep coming back to the mirror every day? [1]
(iii) Which young girl has been drowned? Where and how? [1]
(iv) Name the literary device in 'like a terrible fish'. [1]
(b)
"'....... that now, forgetting his sport, he would become lost in the admiration of the green cornfield. He reflected deeply, and came to the conclusion that the whole universe was built up through love and that the grief of separation was inescapable.'"
(The Letter) (Previous Year Question Paper CBSE Class 10 )
(i) Why has Ali forgotten his sport? [1]
(ii) What do the above lines tell you about Ali's attitude towards nature? [1]
(iii) What did his deep reflection of life make him realise? [1]
(iv) What does the writer mean by 'grief of separation'? [1]
(c) DECIUS BRUTUS:
And know it now: the senate have concluded
To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.
If you shall send them word you will not come,
Their minds may change.
CAESAR:
How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia!
I am ashamed I did yield to them.
Give me my robe, for I will go.
(i) How does Decius Brutus persuade Caesar? [1]
(ii) What did Calpurnia's fears make her do? [1]
(iii) What do the above lines tell you about Caesar's character? [1]
(iv) Why does Caesar say that he was ashamed of himself? [1]
9. Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words each: [5 × 2 = 10 marks]
Previous Year Question Paper CBSE Class 10
(i) Despite such a tender age, what made the two boys Nicola and Jacopo work so hard? (Two Gentlemen of Verona) [2]
(ii) 'The vanity of human glory and power is transient.' Elucidate with reference to the poem 'Ozymandias'. [2]
(iii) What does Ouija board in 'A Shady Plot' symbolize? [2]
(iv) How, according to you, did Sebastian's normal life get revived? Give an argument in support of your answer. (Virtually True) [2]
(v) Why and how, according to Shakespeare, is the pen mightier than the monuments or even the mighty kings? (Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments) [2]
(vi) Why, according to you, did Patol Babu long to act? Cite reasons from the story. (Patol Babu, Film Star) [2]
10. Answer any one of the following two questions in about 150 words: [8 marks]
(a) From the poems 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'The Snake', discuss how the characters, the albatross and the snake view human attitude and perspective towards creatures. [8]
OR
(b) Both, the poem 'The Frog And The Nightingale' and the story 'Mrs. Packletide's Tiger', reflect themes of exploitation of others in pursuit of personal benefit. How, according to you, do each of these literary works manipulate situations to attain their personal desires and with what consequences? [8]
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