CBSE English X Sample Paper 24 Page 1

Sample Paper 24
Class X Exam 2022-23
English-Language and Literature (184)
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 question based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A- READING SKILLS 20

I. Read the passage given below. 10
1. Call it a blessing or curse of Mother Nature, we have to breathe in over 10,000 litres of air in a day (more
than four million litres in a year) to remain alive. By making it essential for life, God has wished that
we try to keep the air we breathe clean. Everyone can see the food that is not clean and perhaps, refrain
from eating it but one cannot stop breathing even if one can feel the air to be polluted. Several harmful
and noxious substances can contaminate the air we breathe. Generally, much is said and written about
outdoor air pollution, most of which is due to vehicular and industrial exhausts. Given the fact that most
of us spend over 90% of our time indoors, it is most important to recognise that the air we breathe in at
home or in offices can be polluted. It can be a cause of ill-health. Air pollutants that are generally present
in very low concentrations can assume significance in closed ill-ventilated places.
2. The indoor air pollution can lead to allergic reactions and cause irritation to the skin, the eyes and the
nose. But as is logical to assume, the brunt of insult by pollutants is borne by the lungs. It can lead to
development of fresh breathing problems, especially in those who have allergic tendencies, or it can
worsen the existing respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis.
3. There can be several sources of indoor air pollution. Tobacco smoke is one of the most important air
pollutants in closed places. “Passive smoking” or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) can lead to all
harmful effects of tobacco smoking seen in smokers in their non-smoking companions. ETS as a health
hazard has been unequivocally proven and is also getting social recognition now. One can occasionally
see signs displaying the all-important message: “Your smoking is injurious to my health” in offices and
homes. The children of smoking parents are among the worst affected persons.
4. The exposure of young children to ETS leads to increased respiratory problems and hospital admissions
as compared to non-exposed children, several studies, including those done at the PGI, have shown an
increased risk of lung cancer among women exposed to passive smoking. ETS also worsens existing
lung diseases like asthma and bronchitis, it may be reaped later in the development of asthma in children.
5. The next most important source of indoor air pollution is allergens. House dust mites (HDM) are very
small insects not visible to the naked eye and are the commonest source of allergy in the house. They
are ubiquitous and thrive in a warm and moist atmosphere. They bread very fast and are very difficult
to eradicate. Modern houses present ample breeding spaces for them in the form of carpet, curtains,
mattresses, pillows, etc.


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Page 2 Sample Paper 24 CBSE English X

6. Exposure to HDM can be prevented by the frequent washing of linen and by encasing the mattresses and
pillows in a non-permeable cover. Pets form an important part of life for some of us. But they can add
plenty of allergens to our indoor atmosphere. Cats are notorious for doing this. Fine particles from feline
fur can remain stuck to the upholstery and carpets for a long time even after the removal of the animal and
lead to the worsening of asthma and skin allergies. Fortunately, owing to religious and social customs, cats
are not very popular pets in India. Dogs, however, are quite popular and can be as troublesome. Pets should
be kept out of the bedrooms and washed frequently. To remove the fur particles, one has to use vacuum
cleaners as the ordinary broom and mop are not effective.
7. Moulds, fungi and several other microorganisms thrive in damp conditions and can lead to allergies as well
as infections. Humidifiers in the air-conditioning plants provide an ideal environment for certain types of
bacteria and have led to major outbreaks of pneumonia. It is important to clean regularly the coolers, air-
conditioners and damp areas of the house regularly, such as cupboards, lofts, etc., to minimize this risk.
8. Toxic gases can also pollute the indoor environment. Biomass fuels (wood, cow dung, dried plants) and
coal, if burned inside, can lead to severe contamination by carbon monoxide (CO). The poor quality of
stoves and other cooking or heating appliances that cause incomplete combustion of LPG can also lead
to the emission of CO or nitrogen dioxide. Formaldehyde (a gas) can be released from adhesives that are
used for fixing carpets, upholstery and also in making plywood and particle board.
9. The gases are very toxic in high concentrations as may be encountered during industrial accidents, but
even in very minimal amounts as may be prevalent in homes and offices can cause irritation to the skin
or the eyes, rashes, headache, dizziness and nausea. Improving ventilation is an important preventive
measure besides trying to eliminate the source that may not be always feasible.
10. Other indoor pollutants are toxic chemicals like cleansing agents, pesticides, paints, solvents and inferior-
quality personal care products, especially aerosols. Very old crumbling pipes, boilers, insulation or false
roofing can also be important sources. Asbestos is a hazardous product that can cause cancer in humans.
Thus, it is important to realise that the air we breathe at home may not be clean always and we must try
to eliminate the source of pollution. We should give due consideration to ventilation.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. God wished to keep the air we breathe clean because:
(a) we breathe 10,000 litres of air every year
(b) we breathe four million litres of air in a day
(c) we breathe 10,000 litres of air per day
(d) one cannot stop breathing even if the air is polluted

ii. The air in offices and indoors can be polluted because _____.

iii. Allergy is caused by:

(a) dust mites (b) modern houses
(c) mattresses (d) pillows

iv. ETS refers to _____.

v. Pets should be kept out of bedrooms because _____.

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CBSE English X Sample Paper 24 Page 3

vi. Moulds, fungi and bacteria _____.

(a) thrive in damp conditions
(b) can be controlled by using air conditioners
(c) do not cause pneumonia
(d) thrive in dry conditions

vii. Burning of biomass fuel inside homes pollutes the indoor environment _____.
(a) because of the emission of toxic gases
(b) because of incomplete combustion
(c) because of the emission of formaldehyde
(d) none of these

viii. Cancer can be caused in humans due to:

(a) old crumbling pipes
(b) old boilers
(c) insulation and false roofing
(d) asbestos sheet

ix. The antonym of ‘safe’ as used in para 10 is _____.

x. The synonym of ‘omnipresent’ as used in para 5 is _____.

II. Read the passage given below. 10
1. There are innumerable villages in India which have fewer than 500 residents. Many people from the
other cities in India head to one of these sanctuaries to wash away all the hardships of an ultra-modern
life.
2. With a population of just 289, the tribal village of Ha is the smallest named place in the country which
is located at an altitude of 4,780 ft. in the Kurung Kumey district of Arunachal Pradesh. The village is
known for its brilliant natural beauty and the Menga caves which are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
3. Located about 27 km from Keylong in Himachal Pradesh, the village of Shansha has a population of 320
people in 72 houses. The hamlet is located close to the Tandi Kishtwar road which is generally a pit stop
for those adventure-seeking individuals who ride through this dangerous route. The hamlet of Shansha
is home to a greenhouse which is located at a height of 10,000 ft. and provides aid to the locals living
and working in this highly challenging terrain.
4. One might think the entire state of Goa is filled with a bunch of beaches and shacks, but there is another
side of the tiny state which is known for its isolated villages. Xelpem, also known as Shelpem, is an
example of one such place which is located on the banks of Salaulim river and has a population of just
255.
5. The village of Sankri in Uttarakhand is the base camp of many treks and is well known for being the
last village which has a market on the way to the Harki Dun Trek, Kedarkantha. The hamlet has just
77 homes out of which, three are small guest houses and has a population of about 270 people. Most
families welcome the trekkers to stay at their homes as well.


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Page 4 Sample Paper 24 CBSE English X

6. One amongst the most scenic and hidden gems of Nagaland is the village of Nitoi. The village has a
population of about 402 people and boasts of an 80% literacy rate even in its small population. The small
hamlet can be reached from Kiphire which is an 8-hour drive from Kohima.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i. The purpose of this passage is to provide awareness regarding the _____.
(a) tiny towns and cities in India
(b) small villages and hamlets in India
(c) small hamlets and cities in India
(d) isolated tribes in India

ii. Select the option that is true for the two statements given below.
1. Shansha has a population of 320 people in 72 houses.
2. The hamlet of Shansha is home to a greenhouse.
(a) 1 contradicts 2.
(b) 2 is the reason for 1.
(c) 1 is independent of 2.
(d) 2 is the result of 1.

iii. Select the option that gives the correct meaning of the following statement.
“Most families welcome the trekkers to stay at their homes as well.”
(a) The hamlet consists of only guest houses for trekkers.
(b) People from Sankri village aren’t fond of any visitors.
(c) The hamlet has just 77 homes with a population of about 270 people.
(d) People from Sankri village keep their doors open for guests.

iv. According to the passage, the greenhouse in Shansha is essential for the people because _____.

v. Select the option listing what the given sentence refers to. “The village has a population of about 402
people and boasts of an 80% literacy rate even in its small population”.
1. The village has a population of 402 literate people.
2. The population of the village is 80% illiterate.
3. The 80% of the population is not illiterate.
4. The population of the village is limited to 402 individuals.
5. The village boasts high literacy rate even in its small population.
(a) 1, 2 and 5 (b) 2, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 3, 4 and 5

vi. The Menga Caves from the village of Ha in Arunachal Pradesh are dedicated to which deity?

vii. This passage lists an example of the tiny villages in India where people _____.

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CBSE English X Sample Paper 24 Page 5

viii. Choose the correct option to answer the following. According to paragraph 4, “One might think the
entire state of Goa is filled with a bunch of beaches and shacks”. This is so because:
(a) Goa is famous for its small naturally scenic villages.
(b) Goa is generally advertised as such in popular media.
(c) Not much is known about the beaches and shacks of Goa.
(d) People don’t care about the natural diversity in Goa.
ix. Which word in the passage means ‘distress’?
x. Which word in the passage is opposite to the meaning of ‘unstimulating’?

III. SECTION B- GRAMMAR 10

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10
i. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete an online update.
Forests remove carbon from the atmosphere _____ that is roughly 13% of our total emission.
(a) at a rate (b) on a rate
(c) at the rate (d) on the rate
ii. Read the conversation between a doctor and his patient. Complete the sentence by reporting the patient’s
reply correctly.
Passenger 1 : Are you from the software industry sir?
Passenger 2 : Yes, but how do you know?
Passenger 1, tried to recollect some experience and asked passenger 2 _____. On this, passenger 2
nodded his head in affirmation and inquisitively asked how he knew that.
iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line.
When life is uncertain, our usual responses and coping strategies
not always work.
(a) may (b) might
(c) can (d) could
iv. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a
proceeding in family court.
Option No. Error Correction
(a) observations observation
(b) seems seem
(c) out outside
(d) the a

v. Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option :
The centre _____ to monetize its prime real estate asset in the heart of the national capital to generate
funds for redevelopment of seven residential colonies.
(a) was looking (b) will be looking
(c) is looking (d) has been looking

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Page 6 Sample Paper 24 CBSE English X

vi. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter :
Subject : Appeal for Assam Flood Relief
Respected Sir/Madam,
In the last month, India has witnessed one of the worst manifestations of nature’s wrath-floods in Assam,
which _____ (wash) away thousands of pilgrims, resulting in a massive loss of life and property, and
leaving millions impoverished and homeless.
vii. Report the dialogue between Vivek and Neerja by completing the sentence :
Vivek : Life is so comfortable for homemakers.
Neerja : You are showing your stereotyped mentality.
In response to the idea of Vivek about homemakers, Neerja said that _____.
viii. Identify the error in the given sentence, from a school magazine report and supply the correction.
A group of students were invited to come on stage and play a drama scene. The drama they presented
was funny and interesting.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

ix. Binny shared some information, with Pansy, about her visit to a War Memorial. Report Pansy’s question.
How much time did you spend at the War Memorial?
x. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the slogan by the Election Commission of
India.
_____ you don’t vote for your nation; it goes in the favour of an undeserving person. Time to step up!!
(a) Will (b) If
(c) Need (d) Can
xi. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows :
Martha : Why are you spraying wax on your car tyres?
Jhumru : It makes the rubber last longer and prevents it from drying.
Martha : (looking amused) Is it like putting lotion on your skin?
Jhumru : Yes, exactly. Now I see you are beginning to get the point.
Martha asked her husband _____. Jhumru explained that it made the rubber last longer and prevented
that from dying.
(a) why he was spraying wax on his car tyres.
(b) why was he spraying wax on his car tyres.
(c) why was he spraying wax on his car tyres?
(d) why he was spraying wax on his car tyres?
xii. Identify the error on a newspaper headline and supply the correction, for the following
Dispersing through thinning forests, tigers came into conflict with humans.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

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CBSE English X Sample Paper 24 Page 7

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. Your state government has banned the use of plastic bags. You are highly moved by the violence of the
rule in the weekly markets. You are Amarjeet, a resident of Wave City Ghaziabad.
Write a letter to the Editor of The Tribune, in not more than 120 words, drawing attention towards harm
caused by law offence and also aware people about the need of the hour.

O
B. You recently came across an advertisement by A New Dimension, Mehrauli, which offers various
bridge courses in Creative Writing for students of Class X. You are Prakash/Pratishtha of B 905, Goenka
Building, Mansarover Park, New Delhi, interested in pursuing a course during your summer break.
Write a letter enquiring about the course details. (100-120 words)

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

A. The following data in the graph indicates the percentage of children in Grade 10 in Model Town who
have joined coaching institutes, and which has only increased further. Describe in 100-120 words how
this trend has only changed over the years.

O

B. Analyse the picture in your own words in 120 - 150 words.

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Page 8 Sample Paper 24 CBSE English X

SECTION C- LITERATURE 40
V. Reference to the Context 10
3. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 5
A. He stepped slowly out to the brink of the ledge and standing on one leg with the other leg hidden under
his wing, he closed one eye, then the other, and pretended to be falling asleep. Still, they took no notice
of him. He saw his two brothers and his sister lying on the plateau dozing with their heads sunk into their
necks. His father was preening the feathers on his white back.
Only his mother was looking at him. She was standing on a little high hump on the plateau, her white
breast thrust forward.
Now and again, she tore at a piece of fish that lay at her feet and then scrapped each side of her beak
on the rock.
(Two Stories About Flying)
i. What did the young seagull do out of his ledge?
ii. What was the young seagull’s father doing?
(a) smoothing the feathers on his white back
(b) grooming the feathers on his white back
(c) both (a) and (b)
(d) neither (a) nor (b)
iii. Find out the word from the passage which mean the same as ‘to sharpen’.
iv. Complete this analogy.
father : preening :: mother : _____.
v. Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word ‘pretended’ as used in the extract.
(a) The court must have pretended innocence until there is proof of guilt.
(b) I pretended he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn’t show up.
(c) He pretended he didn’t mind, but I knew that he did.
(d) I was never pretended for a moment to give her away.


O
B. At twelve, he was sent away for schooling in the Hindu sacred scriptures and four years later he returned
home to marry a princess. They had a son and lived for ten years befitting royalty. At about the age of
twenty-five, the prince heretofore shielded from sufferings of the world, while out hunting chanced
upon a sick man, then an aged than 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.
(The Sermon of Benares)
i. Select the option that correctly captures the usage of the word ‘befitting’ of the extract.
(a) You will address me in a manner befitting my station, my Lord.
(b) I must know who among us has a track befitting.
(c) He couldn’t come befitting as he was sick.
(d) I would befitting to play for a club like Everton.

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CBSE English X Sample Paper 24 Page 9

ii. Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the text.
sorrow : happiness :: _____ : shield
iii. Select the option that displays the reason why he once became a beggar.
In order to :
(a) realise what he witnessed.
(b) show the world his compassion.
(c) make the lady feel worldly affairs.
(d) accomplish his fantasy.
iv. According to the extract, what does begging for alms mean?
v. Hunting showed a true picture of life. Identify from the text how this could happen?
4. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 5
2.A He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
(A Tiger in the Zoo)
i. Complete the sentence appropriately.
The poet has tried to create an image of tiger’s activities through the expression
ii. The poet has used enjambment in the given lines to narrate about the style of Tiger in/among _____.
(a) visitors (b) zoo
(c) woods (d) water bodies
iii. State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:
The extract suggests the poet wants to say that the actual life of a tiger is to live around deer.
iv. Complete the analogy on the basis of your understanding about the text.
tiger in a zoo: tiger in a forest :: concrete cell : _____.
v. According to the extract, the poet wishes for the tiger to be ‘sliding’ through the foliage as this would :
(a) assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the predator’s sound.
(b) aid in camouflaging the presence of the predator, before it rushes in.
(c) help the predator pounce on the prey comfortably without getting tired.
(d) support the predator’s vision as it eyes its prey.

O
2.B Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.
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 Tale of Custard the Dragon)

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Page 10 Sample Paper 24 CBSE English X

i. Which option lists the quotes that support the ideas in the extract?
1. Fear makes strangers of people who would be friends.
2. If you’re brave enough to start, you’re strong enough to finish.
3. Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.
4. You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.
5. Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is strong.
(a) (1) and (5) (b) (2), (3) and (4)
(c) (2) and (3) (d) (1), (3) and (5)
ii. What is the poet’s purpose of using the onomatopoeic words given in the stanza?
(a) It is to emphasise on the might and boldness of Custard.
(b) It is to introduce the character Custard to the readers.
(c) It is to impress upon the readers that Custard was ready.
(d) It is to make Custard bold enough to face the situation.
iii. Pick the option that best fits the usage of the word ‘trickled’ as used in the stanza.
(a) The water trickled down the tap and filled the trough.
(b) Students trickled into the classroom as the teacher entered.
(c) Tears trickled down her cheeks as she heard the sad news.
(d) His enthusiasm for the task slowly trickled away.​
iv. Complete the given analogy.
Ink : terrified : : Blink : _____.
v. “He went at the pirate like a robin at a worn”. Why has this comparison been used here?

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

i. The poet in the poem ‘For Anne Gregory’ conveys that we should give importance to the inner beauty
and not to the physical appearance. Explain with reference to the poem.


Ans :
Yes, it emphasises that the physical appearance is changeable and hence, it should be unimportant. The
poet conveys this through a conversation between Anne and another speaker. Through Anne’s reply, the
poet makes clear his preference for internal beauty to physical appearance.
ii. What do the roots do all night?
(The Trees)

iii. Is bread-making still popular in Goa? How do you know?

(Glimpses of India)

iv. What do the ‘Hemlock tree’ and ‘Crow’ represent? What does the dust of snow metaphorically stand for?
(Dust of Snow)

v. How does Natalaya react when she comes to know that Lomov had come to propose for her hand?
(The Proposal)

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CBSE English X Sample Paper 24 Page 11

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

i. What changes came into the life of Loisels after the necklace was lost?
(The Necklace)

ii. Scientists contribute to make the world a better place. Griffin is an antithesis to this statement. Justify.
(Footprints Without Feet)

iii. Elaborate on the quality of the book that saved the planet Earth.
(The Book That Saved the Earth)

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

i. Valli and Anne Frank, both were independent souls who wished to be what they are. Assume they both
meet each other in the town and have a conversation about their passion and curiosity.
Write this conversation as per your understanding of ‘From the Diary of Anne Frank’ and ‘Madam Rides
the Bus’.
You may begin like this
Anne : Hey, how are you here?
Valli : Just an adventure to town.

O
ii. “Mandela mentions that every man has twin obligations. The first is to his family, parents, wife and
children; the second obligation is to his people, his community and his country.”
How is the first obligation well performed by mother seagull in the story The First Flight’.

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

i. Horace Danby represents such people who adopt the wrong ways to fulfil their wishes. What values
would you like such people to imbibe to reform themselves?
(A Question of Trust)

O
ii. With reference to The Midnight Visitor’, do you think presence of mind should be developed and to
what advantage? Elaborate highlighting the characteristics of Ausable.

******

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