Sample Question Paper-9

ENGLISH – Language and Literature (Code 087)

Class X – Session 2019-20

Time allowed: 3 Hours. Maximum Marks : 80

General Instructions:
1. This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All questions are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these
instructions very carefully and follow them.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

Section – A
Reading [20 Marks]
Q 1. Read the passage Carefully. [1 x 8 = 8 Marks]
1. For millions of people in India, river Ganga is the most sacred river. It is considered as mother and
goddess. It is also a lifeline to millions of Indians who live on the banks of its course and depend on it for
their daily needs. River Ganga is the third largest river in the world by the amount of water that flows
through it. It is the longest river in India. The river water of Ganga is used for irrigation, transportation and
fishing. The Gangetic plain formed by river Ganga is one of the most fertile lands on earth. This is why
almost 10% of the world population lives here and earns its livelihood. The Ganga, in India is the most
worshipped body of water. The irony here is that in spite of being the most worshipped river, it is also the
dirtiest one. It carries metals thrown out by tanneries, waste produced by industries and urban waste from
different cities. All this has made river Ganga the fifth most polluted river in the world. Another major
reason that adds to the Ganga river pollution is the coal based power plants on its banks which burn tons of
coal every year and produce a lot of fly ash. This ash mixed with domestic waste water is released in the
river. This bad situation calls for an urgent need to make efforts to reduce pollution and revive river Ganga.
To achieve these objectives, the Government of India has started a programme named 'Namami Gange
Programme'. The main pillars of this programme are sewage treatment, river surface cleaning, afforestation,
river front development and public awareness. The importance of the success of 'Namami Gange
Programme' can be seen through the following lines:
(A) Answer the following questions : [1 x 4 = 4]
(i) For what purposes is the Ganga water used?
(ii) Name two pollutants that make river Ganga very dirty.
(iii) Which two purposes will be served by the programme named 'Namami Gauge??
(iv) Most people in India consider the Ganga as .
(B) Choose the correct alternative : [1 x 4 = 4]
(i) River is a lifeline for millions of Indians.
(a) Ganga (b) Krishna
 (c) Narmada (d) Yamuna
(ii) of world population lives near river Ganga.
(a) 15% (b) 30%
(c) 10% (d) 20%
(iii) Ganga is the most polluted river in the world
(a) second (b) third
(c) first (d) fifth
(iv) Ganga is the largest river in the world bv the amount of water that flows through it.
(a) first (b) fourth
(c) third (d) second
Answer:
(a) (i) The Ganga water is used for irrigation, transportation and fishing. (Any 2)
(ii) Effluents from industries, urban waste from cities and metals discharged from tanneries are the major
pollutants that make the river Ganga very dirty. (Any 2)
(iii) Reduction of pollution and revival of the river Ganga are the two purposes that will be served by the
programme named 'Namami Gange'.
(iv) Mother and Goddess [1 x 4 = 4]

(b) (i) (a) Ganga

(ii) (c) 10%
(iii) (d) fifth
(iv) (c) third [1 x 4 = 4]
Q 2. Read the passage carefully. [12]
1. Have you ever failed at something so miserably that the thought of attempting to do it again was the last
thing on your mind?

2. If your answer is yes, then you are ‘not a robot.’ Unlike robots, we human beings have feelings, emotions
and dreams. We are all meant to grow and stretch despite our circumstances and our limitations. Flourishing
and trying to make our dreams come true is great when life is going our way. But what happens when it’s
not? What happens when you fail despite all your hard work? Do you stay down and accept the defeat or do
you get up again and again until you are satisfied? If you have a tendency to persevere and keep going then
you have what experts call, grit.
3. Falling down or failing is one of the most agonizing, embarrassing, and scariest human experiences. But it
is also one of the most educational, empowering and essential part of living a successful and fulfilling life.
Did you know that perseverance (grit) is one of the seven qualities that has been described as the key to
personal success and betterment in society? The other six are: curiosity, gratitude, optimism, self-control,
social intelligence and zest. Thomas Edison is a model for grit for trying 1,000 plus times to invent the light
bulb.
If you are reading this with the lights on in your room, you will realize about his success. When asked why
he kept going despite his hundreds of failures, he merely stated that they had not been failures, they were
hundreds of ways towards creating a light bulb. This statement not only revealed his grit but also his
optimism for looking at the bright side.
4. Grit can be learnt to help you become more successful. One of the techniques that help is mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a practice that helps the individual stay in the moment by bringing awareness of his or her
experience without judgement. This practice has been used to quiet the noise of their fears and doubts.
Through this simple practice of mindfulness, individuals have the ability to stop the self-sabotaging
downward spiral of hopelessness, despair and frustration.
5. What did you do to overcome the negative and self-sabotaging feelings of failure? Reflect on what you
did, and try to use those same powerful resources to help you today.
Answer:
Difficult Words
Limitations-restriction Zest- enthusiasm
Frustration-irritation Grit-determination, bravery
Despair-misery, depression Agonizing-heartbreaking, painful
2.1 On the basis of your reading of the above extract, answer the following questions in 30-40 words
each. [4 x 2 = 8]
a. According to the passage, what are the attributes of a human? [1]
b. What is perceived as grit? In what ways can grit be developed?
c. How is ‘failing’ an educational and empowering part of human life?
d. How does mindfulness help?
e. What should you reflect on?
Answer:
a. The main attributes of human being ate feelings, emotions, and dreams. We are all meant to grow and
stretch despite our circumstances and our limitations. [2]
b.If you have a tendency to persevere and keep going then you have what experts call grit. Mindfulness is a
practice that helps the individual stay in the moment. This practice has been used to quieten the noise of
their fears and doubts.Through this simple practice of mindfulness, individuals have the ability to stop the
self-sabotaging downward spiral of hopelessness, despair and frustration. [2]
c.Failing is the first step towards improvement. It teaches us how to be perseverant and keep going for ones
goals. Each failure makes one understand what to do and what not to do. [2]
d. Mindfulness is a practice that helps the individual stay in the moment bv bringing awareness of his or her
experience without judgement. This practice is a technique that many have used to quieten the noise of their
fears and doubts. [2]
e. We must reflect on what we do, and try to use those same powerful resources to help us in our present
day. [2]
2.2 On the basis of your reading of the above extract, answer the following: [4 x 1 = 4]
a. While inventing the light bulb, Thomas Edison had failed.
(i) 1000 times (ii) 10000 plus times
(iii) 1000 plus times (iv) 10000 times
b. Failure is a part of life.
(i) normal (ii) common
(iii) human (iv) ordinary
c. helps in preventing individuals from going down the lines of despair.
(i) success (ii) curiosity
(iii) mindfulness (iv) failure
d. In para-3, the synonym of distressing is .
e. The antonym of the word ‘frustration’ in para-4 is.
Answer:
a. (i) 1000 plus times [1]
b. (iii) human [1]
c. (iii) mindfulness [1]
d. agonizing [1]
e. satisfaction [1]

Section – B
Writing and Grammar [30 Marks]
Q. 3. You are Naveen of 43, Ram Nagar, Meerut. You wish to join NDA coaching classes. Write a letter to
the director Akash Classes, Kota, enquiring about the coaching classes for the next examination. Ask for all
necessary details in 100-150 words. [8]
OR
You are Varan. You attended 'Art of Living for Students' workshop organized by your school's Yoga Club.
Write a letter in about 100-150 words to the editor of the local daily expressing your views about the same.
You can use the hints given below.
 very beneficial programme
 teaches:
 time management techniques
 coping with academic pressure
Answer:
3. 43, Ram Nagar,
Meerut
26 January, 20 xx
The Director,
Akash Classes
Jaipur Road
Kota
Subject: "Enquiry about the Coaching for NDA"
Sir,
I have just passed class X and now want to join NDA after class XII. I have come to know that your
institution gives coaching to qualify for the admission test to NDA. I would like to join the same. Kindly -
furnish me with the following details :
 The duration of the course
 The fees
 The qualification to join the course (if any)
If you have any printed material or brochure on the same, kindly send it to me on the above address.
Thanking You
Yours sincerely,
Naveen. [8]
OR
82, Civil Lines
New Delhi ,
9 March 20xx
The Editor |
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject: "Art of Living for Students"
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to express my views about the benefits of
'Art of living for Students'. This programme is very beneficial for students. I got the opportunity to attend
one of the programmes, which was organized by the school's yoga club. I realised that it teaches the
techniques of time management. Moreover, the method to cope up with academic pressure, was also taught.
In a nutshell, in my view, every student should attend this workshop. Students should be made aware of such
programmes and information should be provided by the authorities. I hope you would do the needful in the
interest of students.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Varun.
Complete the following story- [150-200 words]
Q 4. “Ultimately I won it as I was determined to achieve my goal.” The closing of the story is given
above. You can start your own story but you cannot change the end. Write the story in [150-200
words]
OR
[10 Marks]
Complete the story with the help of oudine hints given below:
Raju — a foolish boy — wood cutter —liked to be given plenty of attention — act of mischief —shouted.
Tiger tiger — villagers came rushing — Raju laughed at them — Raju does it again — villagers get fooled
again — after a few days a tiger came — Raju shouted — no one carhe to help — thought Raju was joking
— Raju helpless — got killed by tiger.
Answer:
True Story of Success [10 Marks]
I come from a very humble family background. My father was a labourer who toiled in the fields all day. My
mother worked at home, making papads and selling them to the women of the village. I was the eldest of six
siblings. My mother wanted me to study and achieve something in life. I too dreamt of becoming an IAS
officer. The path to this achievement was very difficult as our village did not have a high school. My parents
sent me to the nearby town to study. I went to school during the day and worked as a porter at the railway
station at night. There was no one who would guide me, but I was determined to fulfill my dream. In spite of
the difficulties, I did not give up. I scaled the walls of success one after other and finally reached the summit
that I had set for myself. Today I am the collector of my district and my family is very proud of me.
I am not ashamed of my humble beginning as the long struggle paved the way for my success.
Though the struggle to achieve an IAS tide was difficult, ultimately I won it as I was determined to achieve
my goal.
OR
Raju’s Mischief [10 Marks]
Raju was a foolish boy. He liked to be given plenty of attention and was always seeking it. He was a
woodcutter and would go into the jungle to cut trees. One day he wanted to do a mischief. He shouted at the
top of his voice, “There’s a tiger, there’s a tiger”. Many villagers came rushing to | his aid. But on reaching
they found Raju laughing at them. He was amused how easily they got duped. Raju repeated the act. The
villagers once again turned up to his aid but found out that Raju had fooled them again. The villagers vowed
never to be made fun of by Raju again. After a few days Raju was cutting wood when he saw a tiger. He
screamed and screamed for help, but no one showed up, everyone thought that he was trying to fool them
again but when Raju’s mother raised alarm that it was very late at night and he had not returned, they began
looking for . him. Finally they found that he was killed by the tiger.
5. Complete the paragraph given below by filling in the blanks choosing the correct option from those
that follow [4]
Today a good (a) varieties of tea and tea brands are available in the market. Green tea is popular (b) China
and the Far East. In Japan, the tea ceremony (c) a traditional way of greeting guests, (d) is a social occasion.
Indians (e) real tea-lovers.
(a) (i) very (ii) many (iii) much (iv) more
(b) (i) on (ii) at (iii) in (iv) for
(c) (i) am (ii) were (iii) are (iv) is
(d) (i) and (ii) it (iii) both (iv) this
(e) (i) is (ii) were (iii) am (iv) are
Answer:
(a) (ii) many
(b) (iii) in
(c) (iv) is
(d) (ii) and
(e) (iv) are
Q 6. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the incorrect
word and the correction in your answer sheet against the correct blank number. [4 x 1 = 4]
Error Correction
Climate change in a Indian region of e.g. a the
Ladakh has shrunk glaciers or has made rainfall a. _______ _______
and temperatures unpredictable. Water has b. _______ _______
needed to irrigating the fields. c. _______ _______
Farmers may requiring aid from the government. d. _______ _______
Loans to farmers must be give at a nominal rate. e. _______ _______
Answer:
Error word Correction word [4]
a. or and
b. has is
c. Irrigating irrigate
d. Requiring require
e. give given
Q 7. Rearrange the following sets of words and phrases to form meaningful sentences (Any four)
(a) eyes/beautiful/and precious/from Godìto us/arelgift
(b) thankfut’to God’shouldiwbe/it’for
(c) remember/we/hirn/distress/mn/only
(d) to/grateful/bee always/God/should
(e) ultimate! is/our/God! Savior
Answer:
(a) Eyes are beautiful and precious gift to us from God.
(b) We should be thankful to God for it.
(c) We remember him only in distress.
(d) We should always be grateful to God.
(e) God is our ultimate saviour.
 Section – C
Literature [30 marks]
Q 8. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. [4 x 1 = 4]
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.
Answer:
a. The speaker is the pilot who was flying an aeroplane from Paris to England.
b. Rising moon and cloudless sky which is quite a favourable weather condition for flying an airplane.
c. (iii) peace and calm everywhere
d. (iv) he was going home on a vacation [4]
OR
a. Gautam Buddha, the Prince’s age has been referred here.
b. When the prince went out on hunting he saw a sick man, an aged man, a funeral procession and a monk
begging for alms. All the sights moved him.
c. (iii) she realized that death is inevitable
d. (i) troubled and brief. [4]
Questions
a. Who is the speaker of the above lines?
b. What type of weather conditions are being discussed in the above lines?
c. Explain the term ‘the sleeping countryside’
(i) at dead of night
(ii) lazy people
(iii) peace and calm everywhere
(iv) people sleeping in the fields
d. The narrator is happy because
(i) the sky is clear
(ii) he was going home on a vacation
(iii) he was on his first flight
(iv) his children were flying with him
OR
At about the age of twenty five, the Prince, thereof shielded from the sufferings of the world, while hunting
out glanced upon a sick man, then an aged man, then a funeral procession, and finally a monk begging for
alms. These sights so moved him that he at once became a beggar and went out into the world to seek
enlightenment concerning the sorrows he had witnessed.
Questions
a. Whose age has been referred here?
b. What was the effect of sights on the prince?
c. Kisa gotami was consoled by Buddha as __________
(i) she realized that hc was the great one
(ii) she could give him the mustard seeds
 (iii) she realized that death is inevitable
(iv) he had cast a speli on her
d. According to the Buddha life of mortals is
(i) troubled and brief (ii) natural and troubled
(iii) flowery and joyful (iv) painful and selfish
Answer:
a. The speaker is the pilot who was flying an aeroplane from Paris to England.
b. Rising moon and cloudless sky which is quite a favourable weather condition for flying an airplane.
c. (iii) peace and calm everywhere
d. (iv) he was going home on a vacation [4]
OR
a. Gautam Buddha, the Prince’s age has been referred here.
b. When the prince went out on hunting he saw a sick man, an aged man, a funeral procession and a monk
begging for alms. All the sights moved him.
c. (iii) she realized that death is inevitable
d. (i) troubled and brief. [4]
Q 9. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words each: (2 x 5 = 10)
(a) What attitude did the lawyer have to the country life? How did his experience at New Mullion change it?
(b) What does Anne write in her first essay?
(c) What was Tricki’s ailment ? How did it worry Mrs Pumphrey?
(d) Why could Mrs. Forestier not recognize her friend Matilda at the end of the story?
(e) What does ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for and what is the general opinion regarding the world?
Answer:
(a) The lawyer was under the impression that away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the people in the
country led a pleasant, simple, honest, helpful and peaceful life. But his experience in New Mullion with the
smart hack driver, who himself was Oliver Lutkins-who humiliated and , befooled him with his clever tricks
and quick thinking, made the lawyer change his overview ’ towards the country life.
(b) Anne wrote that talking is a student's trait. She would not keep talking under control because her mother
talked a lot. She had inherited that trait from her mother. And she would do her best to keep it under control.
(c) Mrs. Pumphrey had a dog named Tricki. Indirectly, she was responsible for the dog's illness. She gave
him little extra between meals i.e., malt, cod-liver oil, etc. He was not given any physical exercise. So, the
dog fell ill and started vomiting also. It made Mrs. Pumphrey so much worried that she had to call the
veterinary surgeon, Dr. Harriot, for his treatment.
(d) Matilda had to work very hard to lead her life. She had become a strong, hard and the crude woman of
the household. In fact, she had started looking old. One Sunday evening, when she was taking a walk in the
Champs Elysees, she met Mrs. Forestier who still looked young and pretty. As Matilda had started looking
old and haggard, she couldn't be recognized by her.
(e) Fire stands for fury, hatred, anger, cruelty; ice is symbolic of insensitivity, coldness and intolerance-
General opinion-some say ice, while others say fire will destroy the world.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
Detailed Answer:
(e) Fire stands for fury, desire, lust, anger, avarice, cruelty and greed. Ice is symbolic of hatred, coldness,
rigidity, insensitivity and intolerance. The general opinion regarding the world is that the world will end in
fire and some say ice. Both the two reasons contrast each other and are equally opposite to each other.
People who favour fire believe that it will be the heat and passion which will end the world. On the other
hand, some people think that it will be the ice which will freeze the world. [2 x 5 = 10]
Q 10. Answer the following question in [100-150 words] [8]
Do you feel that there is colour prejudice in our own country?What is your opinion about this kind of
prejudice? Write a paragraph on this, based on the lesson Nelson Mandela—Long Walk to Freedom. [100-
150 words]
OR
A Simple moment proves to be very significant and saves rest of the day of the poet from being wasted.
Explain on the basis of the poem ‘Dust of Snow’ [100-150 words]
Answer:
Yes I think there is colour prejudice in our country Fair girls sometimes still have an. edge over dark
complexioned ones. Being fair is even now considered an attribute of beauty. We have many poets who
praise the fair complexion of a woman. There are numerous advertisements promoting fairness creams on
social media. In many instances dark complexioned girls are frowned upon by the elders in the family. A
very dark person is often made fun of or some nickname is given to these people. Fair people,many a time
get a leverage above others less fortunate, to get their work done.
Although there is no lawful color prejudice in India as the Indian constitution guarantees equal rights to
every citizen, irrespective of their color, religion or any other demographic distinction still it is essential to
note that the society is not free from prejudices. People in our socity still have their reservations about color
and caste community etc. There are laws to protect the rights of every individual but the reluctance of the
people to follow these laws and accept all equally still remains a problem. Although the law of the land
doesn’t permit such discriminations, the societal mindset has not yet changed. So, unfortunately, regional
and color prejudice is still present in India to a considerable extent. [8]
OR
The poem gives a philosophy of life that, at times when we are completely dejected and in a bad
mood, we get surprises. In fact it also depicts his philosophy of life through which he had passed. In
the poem ‘Dust of Snow’ the poet is sitting in a dejected mood. His mood changes when snow falls
from the hemlock tree. Hence evil is replaced by good luck. The underlying message for us in this
poem is that even within our hectic life we should enjoy nature. We should be observant even towards
the simple acts of nature because they can lead to the learning of greater lessons of enjoying life.
The poem ‘Dust of Snow’ by Robert Frost, reiterates that the little things in life can make huge changes in
our future. It also shows that if we can take the hard times of life in our stride, eventually something will
happen to change our situation into happier times. The simple things we do for others can make all the
difference. Just think about those random acts of kindness we do and how much they can brighten a person’s
day and sometimes change their future. Noticing and appreciating all the small things in life will make our
lives happier. It will also cause us to have a spirit that is willing to change and therefore succeed. [8]
Q 11. Answer any one of the following in 100- 150 words:
Justify the title ‘The Book that Saved the Earth’. [100-150 words]
OR
What thought crossed Han Singh’s mind when he was waiting on the railway platform? [100-150 words]
Answer:
Martians planned to attack the earth. The ruler of Mars, Think Tank instructed one of his Martians- Noodle
to gather information about the Earth. He saw that other three crew members-Captain Omega, Lieutenant
Iota and Sergeant Oop found some books in Centerville Public Library. A book named 'Mother Goose'
contained nursery rhymes. Omega managed to read some nursery rhymes like 'Mistress Mary', 'Humpty-
Dumpty', etc. Think Tank misinterpreted the rhymes. He was shocked to discover that metals could be
grown in fields. He also thought that earthlings are intelligent enough in warfare and have advanced
technology to grow high exposures. On seeing the image of Humtpy-Dumpty, he thought its head
resembling that of his own. He feared invasion on Mars by earthlings. So he decided to migrate to Alpha
Centauri, one hundred million miles away from Mars. The Martians fear the book till date. Hence, we can
say that the title 'The Book that Saved the Earth' is apt.
The book of the Nursery Rhymes proved to be a most trustworthy friend. It not only saved us and our planet
earth, but also acted as a good friend of tiny children and entertained them in its fantasy and delighted them.
[8]
OR
Hari Singh stole six hundred rupees while Anil was sleeping. He went to the railway station after stealing
the money, but did not board the train. His conscience pricked him for robbing a man like Anil who had
trusted him. He knew that Anil would feel bad when he would come to know about his stolen money but
that would not be for the money but for the loss of trust and faith which he had in Hari Singh. He roamed
around aimlessly and remembered the good times he had spent with Anil. He felt lonely and sad at the
thought of leaving Anil. So, he immediately decided to go back to Anil. Hari Singh knew that one day he
will be able to earn more money by becoming a really big, clever and respected man which was much more
than stealing a few hundred rupees at this time. So he returned home, back to Anil.