ENGLISH LITERATURE Previous Year Question Paper CBSE Board Class 10

Class 10 CBSE Board Previous Year Question paper 

ENGLISH LITERATURE

General Instructions: Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them : (i) This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory. (ii) The question paper contains three sections: Section A - Reading Skills Section B - Grammar and Creative Writing Skills Section C - Literature (iii) Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A: Reading Skills (20 marks)

1. Read the following passage carefully: (10 marks)

(1) With the growing focus on sustainable living, the importance of kitchen gardens in urban regions has garnered greater acknowledgement. One significance of kitchen gardens in urban areas is their role in promoting food security. Rapid urbanization has led to increased distances between food production centres and urban settlements, resulting in longer food supply chains and a decrease in the freshness and nutritional value of food.

(2) By having a kitchen garden, urban dwellers can grow their own fresh produce at home, making good use of empty tins, old utensils, and clay flower pots, ensuring a constant supply of nutritious food for themselves and their families. This activity not only saves money and time but can also provide a healthy, practical, and environmentally friendly hobby for the whole family.

(3) Not only do kitchen gardens contribute to food security, but they also play a crucial role in environmental sustainability. Traditional agricultural practices often involve the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and intensive irrigation methods, which may have adverse effects on the environment. However, kitchen gardens promote organic farming, reducing the use of harmful chemicals and preserving soil health.

(4) In addition to fostering a sustainable environment, kitchen gardens provide numerous health benefits to urban dwellers. The availability of fresh and organic produce from the garden ensures a higher intake of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, promoting better overall health and well-being.

(5) Furthermore, kitchen gardens have proven to be an effective tool for education and community development. They provide an opportunity for individuals to reconnect with nature and learn about the basics of agriculture. Besides providing fruits and vegetables, gardening provides an aesthetic and therapeutic exercise that helps relieve stress. The physical activity involved in tending to a garden helps individuals stay active, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues.

(6) By involving children in gardening activities, they can develop an appreciation for the environment and learn essential life skills. Moreover, kitchen gardens can also serve as a platform for community engagement, fostering social interactions and promoting a sense of belonging among urban residents.

(7) Despite the numerous benefits of kitchen gardens, establishing and maintaining one in urban areas can be challenging. Limited space, lack of sunlight, and soil quality issues are common obstacles that urban gardeners face. However, innovative solutions such as vertical gardening, hydroponics, and rooftop gardens have emerged to overcome these challenges.

(8) It is imperative to provide support and resources to encourage urban gardening initiatives as this can transform urban areas into sustainable havens where residents not only live but thrive in harmony with nature.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

(i) What does the writer's use of phrases like 'in urban regions kitchen gardens have garnered great acknowledgement' suggest about kitchen gardening today? (1 mark) (A) It has reduced inflation. (B) It is an expensive hobby. (C) It provides nutritious food. (D) It does not minimize adverse effects on the environment. Paragraph (1)

(ii) Complete the following with a suitable explanation. (1 mark) Growing a kitchen garden is cost effective because __________ Paragraph (2)

(iii) Identify two differences between the methods adopted in traditional farming and kitchen gardens. (2 marks) Paragraph (3)

(iv) Substitute the underlined word with the correct word from Paragraph (4). (1 mark) The local residents' nurturing of their surrounding flora and fauna helps to create awareness about civic responsibilities.

(v) Tending to a kitchen garden has many health benefits. Explain in about 40 words. (2 marks) Paragraphs (4) and (5)

(vi) Select the option that best reflects the concept that kitchen gardening is an effective educational tool for children. (1 mark) (A) It contributes to effective community development. (B) It helps develop sensitivity and appreciation for nature. Paragraph (5)

(vii) What hurdles do kitchen gardeners face? Mention any two. (1 mark) Paragraph (7)

(viii) State whether the following statement is True or False: (1 mark) Kitchen gardening should be practised by everyone living in the cities.

2. Read the following passage carefully: (10 marks)

(1) Silk is a natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. Silk has a long history in India. It is known as Resham in eastern and northern India, and Pattu in the southern parts of India. India is the second largest producer of silk in the world after China.

(2) Silk is renowned for its luxurious qualities with a natural soft and smooth texture that feels comfortable on the skin. One of its unique qualities is to absorb and release moisture, regulating the body temperature, and keeping the wearer cool and dry.

(3) Silk is one of the strongest natural fibres, but it loses up to 20% of its strength when wet. Its elasticity is moderate to poor: if elongated even a small amount, it remains stretched. It can be weakened if exposed to too much sunlight. It may also be attacked by insects, especially if left dirty.

(4) The process of silk production is known as sericulture. Silk is produced by several insects; but, generally, only the silk of moth caterpillars has been used for textile manufacturing. To produce 1 kg of silk, 104 kg of mulberry leaves must be eaten by 3000 silkworms.

(5) So what makes silk so costly? Firstly, cultivation of silk is a labour-intensive work. Secondly, the silk fabric is carefully derived from the larva of the silkworms which spin silk threads around themselves to make cocoons from natural sources. This makes the production limited due to factors like climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle. Thirdly, the intensive work can only be carried out with specialized knowledge and expertise by skilled artisans and craftsmanship. Lastly, superior quality silk fabrics are made from long and uniform silk fibres giving them a smooth and lustrous appearance. Thus, production requires careful selection, adding to the cost.

(6) In 2021, Karnataka was the highest producer of raw silk at 8483 metric tonnes followed by Andhra Pradesh at 5520 metric tonnes with Assam close behind at 5038 metric tonnes. At the other end of the spectrum there was Chhattisgarh (248 metric tonnes), Nagaland (230 metric tonnes) and UP trailed behind at 179 metric tonnes.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

(i) Silk is a popular fabric in India. Support the above statement in 40 words with evidence from the text. (2 marks)

(ii) Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below. (1 mark) Assertion: Silk feels comfortable to the skin. Reason: It is made of natural protein fibre. (A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. (B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion. (C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false. (D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.

(iii) Justify the following statement: (1 mark) Though one of the strongest natural fibres, silk remains stretched.

(iv) According to the passage, in what way is sunlight harmful to silk? (1 mark)

(v) "To produce 1 kg of silk, 104 kg of mulberry leaves must be eaten by 3000 silkworms." State any one inference that can be drawn from the above statement. (1 mark)

(vi) Complete the following with one suitable reason from the text: (1 mark) Silk production work can be carried out by skilled artisans because __________

(vii) Based on the given text, which state was the smallest producer of silk? (1 mark)

(viii) Complete the sentence suitably. (1 mark) To carry out silk production requires careful selection because __________

(ix) Give one reason to support why production of silk is limited. (1 mark)

SECTION B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills (20 marks)

Grammar (10 marks)

3. Complete any ten of the following twelve tasks, as directed (10 × 1 = 10):

(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets, for the given portion of a letter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there are any further questions or if I can be of __________ (assist) in any way.

(ii) Read the given sentence from a travel blog. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence. Sentence: Spend a night under the stars in a traditional camp, where you can experience the warmth of our hospitable and savour the delicious local cuisine.

(iii) Kriva and Manish had a conversation about the engagement of Kriva's brother. Report Manish's question. How far is the engagement venue from your house?

(iv) Read the dialogue between Ankita and her mentor, Sharwari, about the cultural exchange programme. Ankita: Are we going to get some time off for sightseeing? Sharwari: Oh yes! All the students will get two days for sightseeing. Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue: Ankita asked Sharwari if they were going to get some time off for sightseeing, to which Sharwari replied in the affirmative __________ two days for sightseeing. (A) that all the students should get (B) that all the students would get (C) that all the students ought to get (D) that all students must be getting

(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete a description of Notice Writing. A notice is a type of social __________ (conversation/conveyance/communication) used to notify or present information to a specific set of people.

(vi) Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence from an advertisement. Sentence: The board invite online applications from eligible candidates for the post of a senior English teacher.

(vii) Identify and correct the error in the given line taken from a user manual of an ironing board: Sentence: Place the garment on the ironing board, smoothening out as many wrinkle as possible.

(viii) Complete the given sentence by filling in the blank with the correct option. After she __________ her homework, Anaisha finally relaxed and watched a movie with her friends. (A) finished (B) had finished (C) have finished (D) will finish

(ix) Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence. Ankita: Will you help me plan my itinerary? Tanu: Yes, indeed! Where are you going? Ankita asked Tanu if __________ Tanu enthusiastically replied in the affirmative and asked where she was going.

(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the pop-up message appearing on a website. Welcome to our website! You __________ enjoy 10 percent off on your first purchase with code WELCOME. Click here to start shopping! (A) may (B) will (C) should (D) might

(xi) Complete the given sentence about the reaction of some students, by selecting the correct option. Since morning the group of students __________ excited about the forthcoming cultural fest. (A) are (B) was (C) has been (D) were

(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for the following note on a food packet. Sentence: This product is manufacturing for infants and contains no additives.

Writing (10 marks)

Note: All details presented in the questions in the writing section are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.

4. Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below (5 marks):

(a) You are Falguni/Ashish residing at 98, Krystal Garden Apartments, Jonsabad. You have noticed that the swimming pool in your society is poorly maintained and has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. As a resident and frequent user of the pool facilities, you feel deeply concerned about the potential health risks posed by the presence of mosquitoes. Write a letter, in about 120 words, to the Secretary of the RWA of your society, requesting him to take immediate action to address this issue to mitigate the problem.

OR

(b) As Yusra/Yousuf, the Secretary of the RWA of your society, residing at 493, Stargazing Apartments, Newbagh, you have noticed many small plots of land lying unattended in your city. You feel that the plots can be utilized to create green spaces where people can sit and relax. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily in about 120 words, highlighting the issue and urging necessary action from the concerned department for improving the aesthetic appeal of your city.

5. Attempt any one from (a) and (b) given below (5 marks):

(a) The effects of technology on education have been profound and multifaceted; influencing both teaching and learning in various ways. The data below shows the rising enrolment in online courses over the years. Analyze the data and write an analytical paragraph, in about 120 words, about how technology has transformed teaching and learning by shifting from classrooms to digital devices. Discuss benefits such as access to information and challenges like digital divide.

OR

(b) Read the given details about the pros and cons of artificial intelligence (AI). With the help of the given cues and your own ideas write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words on "AI - Benefits and Drawbacks".

Cues:

• AI is possessed by machines

• Impacted our lives in many ways

• AI - Google maps

• Knowledge at our fingertips

• Cannot wholly replicate humans

• Increase in cyber crime

SECTION C: Literature (40 marks)

6. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b) (5 marks):

(a) "The moon was coming up in the east, behind me, and stars were shining in the clear sky above me. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. I was happy to be alone high up above the sleeping countryside. I was flying my old Dakota aeroplane over France back to England. I was dreaming of my holiday and looking forward to being with my family. I looked at my watch: one thirty in the morning." (Two Stories About Flying)

(i) What time of the day is the above extract set in? (1 mark) (A) dawn (B) afternoon (C) night (D) dusk

(ii) State any one inference about the writer from the given context: (1 mark) "I was looking forward to being with my family."

(iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets. (1 mark) The use of the phrase 'clear sky' adds to a sense of __________ (favourable/flavourful) weather conditions.

(iv) How does the serene atmosphere described by the narrator contribute to the mood and anticipation of his journey back to England? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract. (2 marks)

OR

(b) "It's not my balcony," Ausable said with extreme irritation. "It belongs to the next apartment." He glanced explanatorily at Fowler. "You see," he said, "this room used to be part of a large unit, and the next room through that door there used to be the living room. It had the balcony, which extends under my window now. You can get onto it from the empty room two doors down and somebody did, last month. The management promised to block it off. But they haven't." (The Midnight Visitor)

(i) What was the management supposed to do regarding the balcony? (1 mark)

(ii) Which of the following was the reason that irritated Ausable about the balcony? (1 mark) (A) its size and layout (B) its location relative to his apartment (C) its accessibility from the neighbouring unit (D) its maintenance by the apartment management

(iii) How does Ausable's detailed explanation of the balcony's history and current accessibility contribute to the atmosphere of suspense or tension in the story? Answer in about 40 words. (2 marks)

(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets. (1 mark) The reference to 'last month' and 'now' adds to a sense of __________ (reconciliation/mystery).

7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a) or (b) (5 marks):

(a) "The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree Has given my heart A change of mood" (Dust of Snow)

(i) Fill the blank to complete the sentence. (1 mark) Shaking down of dust of snow gave the speaker a change of heart by __________

(ii) How does the interaction between the natural elements (crow, snow, hemlock tree) contribute to the speaker's emotional transformation in the poem? Answer in about 40 words. (2 marks)

(iii) 'Dust of Snow' is referred to as: (1 mark) (A) mist (B) dust of branches (C) snow residue (D) snowflakes

(iv) The crow and the hemlock tree represent: (1 mark)

1. sorrow

2. elation

3. hope

4. anxiety

5. enthusiasm

(A) 1 only (B) 2, 3 and 5 (C) 4 only (D) 1, 4 and 5

OR

(b) "Don't bite your nails, Amanda! Don't hunch your shoulders, Amanda! Stop that slouching and sit up straight, Amanda! (There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me a mermaid, drifting blissfully.)" (Amanda)

(i) How does the poet reinforce the contrast between what the narrator wants and what Amanda desires? (2 marks)

(ii) What tone is conveyed through the repetition of Amanda's name in the line? (1 mark) (A) loving (B) instructive (C) indifferent (D) playful

(iii) How does the imagery of the emerald sea with the mermaid contrast with Amanda's actions? (1 mark)

(iv) Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the lines of the given extract. (1 mark) (A) Sitting by the pond Waving my wand Awaiting my dearest I looked above and beyond Awaiting my love A sudden sound, fluttered the dove The crackle stopped, as so did my heart

(B) Sitting by the pond Holding tight to my bond I looked above and beyond Awaiting my love I heard her come, a sudden sound The crackle stopped, as so did my heart

(C) I sat beside the pond with her Awaiting for her to come I looked above and beyond Awaiting my love A sudden sound, I turned back The crackle stopped, as so did my heart

(D) Sitting by the pond Awaiting my love I looked above and beyond A sudden scream, I looked around Then a shadow fell and there was no sound The crackle stopped, as so did my heart

8. Answer any four of the following five questions in about 40-50 words each (4 × 3 = 12 marks):

(i) Why was Valli's excitement on the bus dampened on her return journey? (Madam Rides the Bus) (ii) Why does Custard long for a nice safe cage? (The Tale of Custard the Dragon) (iii) Why did Mandela feel that liberation was important for both, the oppressor and the oppressed? (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) (iv) Mention any three surprises that await visitors in Coorg. (Glimpses of India - Coorg) (v) What does the poet mean by the phrase 'And no one buys a ball back'? (The Ball Poem)

9. Answer any two of the following three questions in 40-50 words each (2 × 3 = 6 marks):

(i) How do Anil's initial reaction to Hari Singh's cooking and his subsequent actions reflect Anil's evolving relationship with Hari Singh? (The Thief's Story) (ii) The unexpected encounter with the voice in the doorway affects Horace's burglary attempt. Elaborate. (A Question of Trust) (iii) The play, 'The Book that Saved the Earth', uses humour and misunderstandings between the Martians and Earthlings to explore the themes of perception and cultural differences. Comment.

10. Answer any one of the following two questions in 100-120 words (6 marks):

(a) Comment on the reactions and feelings of Lencho and Nelson Mandela when they faced challenges in their lives. (A Letter to God and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

OR

(b) Discuss how the writers use language to create humour in the poem 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' and the play 'The Proposal'.

11. Answer any one of the following two questions in about 100-120 words (6 marks):

(a) Why did Hari Singh choose to go back to Anil in the end? (The Thief's Story)

OR

(b) What book opened the world of science to the eager Richard Ebright? Why and where did Ebright send the tagged butterflies? (The Making of a Scientist)

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