KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN, MUMBAI REGION

PRE-BOARD - I - November 2024

CLASS X: ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)
Time allowed:3 hrs. Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. The question paper contains THREE sections –
Section – A: Reading Skills
Section – B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section – C: Literature Textbook
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each Part.

SECTION A: READING SKILLS (10 marks)

1. Read the following text. 10 MARKS
The Experience of Learning a New Language
1. Learning a new language can feel like an exhilarating yet sometimes daunting journey. For
many, the initial stages bring excitement, especially when it comes to grasping the basics. Picking
up common phrases, greetings, and simple questions feels like unlocking a whole new world.
However, as one moves beyond the introductory level, the complexity can become overwhelming.
Encountering intricate grammar rules, exceptions, and nuanced expressions can feel like hitting
a wall, leaving learners frustrated and questioning their abilities. These moments of confusion are
often accompanied by a sense of discouragement, especially when it feels like progress has
stalled.
2. Despite these challenges, there are break through moments that keep learners motivated. For
instance, understanding a conversation between native speakers, or successfully ordering food
in a foreign country without hesitation, can feel like monumental achievements. These small
victories act as fuel, driving the learner to keep going, even when the process becomes tough.
3.Then, there are moments of deeper connection with the language, where learners realize they
are not just memorizing vocabulary or grammar but truly engaging with a different culture.
Language is more than a tool for communication; it’s a gateway to understanding the world from
a new perspective. Literature, music, and idiomatic expressions offer insights into the soul of a
culture, creating emotional connections that make the learning process richer and more fulfilling.
4. Of course, there are moments of sheer bewilderment, where a phrase or expression seems to
defy all logic. This might involve encountering idioms or colloquial phrases that, when translated
literally, make no sense. These linguistic quirks can leave learners scratching their heads,
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wondering if they will ever fully grasp the nuances of the language. However, these moments
often spark curiosity, pushing the learner to dig deeper, ask questions, and embrace the unknown.
5.Ultimately, learning a new language is a blend of highs and lows, much like navigating any new
skill. It demands patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace mistakes. While it may seem
difficult at times, the sense of accomplishment that comes with fluency—or even just
conversational ability—makes all the effort worthwhile. Beyond the practical benefits, learning a
language opens doors to new friendships, cross-cultural understanding, and personal growth.
Just like any great challenge, the rewards are as much about the journey as they are about the
destination.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: 10
i) Which of the following statements best captures the author's perspective on learning a new
language? 1
A) The author believes that learning a new language is a straightforward process that does not
require much effort.
B) The author feels that the challenges of language learning are often outweighed by the rewards
and personal growth it brings.
C) The author suggests that language learning is primarily about memorizing vocabulary and
grammar.
D) The author is critical of language learning, claiming it leads to frustration without any
meaningful benefits.
ii) What is the tone of the writer in paragraph (2)? Rationalize your response in about 40 words. 2
iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The author's use of descriptive language in paragraph (3), such as "emotional connections" and
"rich and fulfilling," helps the reader understand _________________. 1
iv) The passage explores varying experiences while learning a new language. From the sets (a)-
(e) below, identify two sets of antonyms: 1
A. excitement - enchantment
B. confusion - clarity
C. frustration - satisfaction
D. progress - stagnation
E. engagement – detachment
v) Complete the sentence appropriately: 1
The author's tone shifts to a more positive and encouraging one in paragraph 2 when describing
the small successes in language learning because __________.

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vi) Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in about 40 words, how learning a new
language can be like exploring a new city. 2
vii) What is the message conveyed by Alex's experience in the following case? 1
Alex struggles to grasp complex grammar rules in a new language but feels exhilarated when he
successfully holds a conversation with a native speaker.
A. Mastery of a language comes only with inherent skill.
B. Language learning is an easy and straightforward process.
C. Overcoming difficulties in learning can lead to rewarding experiences.
D. Language proficiency is solely dependent on memorization.
viii) State whether the following lines display an example of a simple/ advanced / rhetorical/
poetic language. 1
"Mother's Day cards commonly feature elaborate floral motifs adorning their covers, reflecting the
celebratory spirit of the occasion.
2. Read the following text. 10 MARKS
The Influence of Cell Phones on Teenagers
Cell phones have become an essential part of teenagers’ daily routines, influencing their social
interactions, academic performance, and mental health. A study by the Youth Digital Behaviour
Institute surveyed 1,000 teenagers aged 13-18 to explore how cell phone use impacts their lives
(Source: Youth Digital Behaviour Institute, 2023).
Social Interaction
About 70% of teenagers spend more than 3 hours daily on social media, with 42% admitting that
they feel anxious when they are not actively checking their phones. This constant connection
creates a risk of digital dependence, with 28% reporting social isolation despite being virtually
connected (Source: Pew Research Center, 2023).
Academic Impact
The study found that 55% of teens use their phones during school hours, and 33% believe it
negatively affects their academic performance. Notifications and messaging apps were identified
as key distractions, lowering concentration levels in class (Source: Common Sense Media, 2023).
Mental Health
Excessive phone use has also been linked to mental health issues. Around 30% of teens reported
experiencing stress and anxiety due to overuse, while 22% felt depressed after prolonged social
media exposure, leading to concerns about the emotional effects of constant comparison and
cyber bullying.
(Source: American Psychological Association, 2022).

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Statistics on Teenagers’ Cell Phone Use
Category Percentage

Social media use (>3 hrs daily) 70%

Phone use during school hours 55%

Negative academic impact 33%

Feeling depressed post-use 22%
Anxiety due to phone use 30%

These statistics provide a snapshot of how cell phones impact teenagers today and how their
usage patterns are linked to both positive and negative effects.
Based on the understanding of the passage above answer the following questions given
below: 10
i) What does the use of the phrase "an essential part of teenagers’ daily routines" in paragraph
1 tell us about the writer's view of cell phones? 1
A. The writer believes cell phones are unnecessary for teenagers.
B. The writer acknowledges cell phones as a significant part of teenagers' lives.
C. The writer is critical of how much teenagers use their phones.
D. The writer is indifferent to the role of cell phones in teenagers' lives.
ii) Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below. 1
Assertion (A): Teenagers experience social isolation despite being connected through their
phones.
Reason (R): Prolonged use of social media creates dependency and anxiety among teenagers.
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.
iii)Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets, based on your
understanding of paragraph 2. 1

The statement that teenagers feel anxious when they are not checking their phones is a
___________ (fact/opinion) because it is a /an _____________ (subjective judgement/objective)
detail.
iv) Justify the concern regarding teenagers' academic performance linked to cell phone usage as
highlighted in the passage. 2

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v) Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the blank.
In the study on teenagers’ cell phone usage, the percentage of those who reported feeling anxious
when separated from their phones is __________. (42% / 30% / 22%) 1
vi) What does the statistic that 70% of teenagers spend more than 3 hours daily on social media
suggest about their social habits and priorities in today's digital age? 1
vii) Which of the following is the main takeaway from the study mentioned in the passage? 1
A. Cell phones enhance teenagers' academic performance.
B. Excessive cell phone use harms teens' mental health and social lives
C. Social media use is the sole reason for anxiety among teenagers.
D. Teenagers prefer face-to-face communication over digital interaction.
viii) Complete the following with a suitable reason based on the passage: 1
Teenagers often feel anxious when separated from their phones because __________.
ix) Identify the word in the sentence that indicates a reliance on digital devices. 1
This constant connection creates a risk of digital dependence, with 28% reporting social isolation
despite being virtually connected.

Section – B Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 20marks

3. Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions: 10 x 1 = 10

i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option: 1
The technician will ______ the machine for maintenance this afternoon.
(a) shut out (b) shut off (c) shut away (d) shut in
ii) Read the conversation between the teacher and the student. 1
Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly:
Teacher: You need to submit your project by Friday.
Student: I understand, and I will make sure it’s done on time.
The teacher informed the student that he needed to submit his project by Friday, to which the
student replied _______.
iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from a newspaper report. The
report read, “There ______ a delay in the train schedule due to the heavy rain.” 1
(a) cannot be (b) should be (c) must be (d) will be
iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line from
the health report: 1
"The number of patients suffering from diabetes are increasing every year."

Option Error Correction

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 a number numbers
b are is
c suffering suffers
d Diabetes diabetics

v) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option: 1
The manager _____the staff to ensure that all tasks were completed on time.
(a) kept an eye on (b) kept informed (c) kept up with (d) kept in touch with
vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket for the given
portion of the letter: 1
Subject – Request for Leave.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to inform you that I _______ (be) unable to attend work due to a family emergency.
vii) Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence. 1
Aanya: Rohan, what was your favourite part of the concert?
Rohan: The energy of the crowd and the music.
In response to the question about his favourite part of the concert, Rohan says_____________ .
viii) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction: 1
The increase in participation of students in extracurricular activities are encouraging for their
overall development.
Use the given format for your response:

Error Correction

ix) Maria shared some information with Mathew about her experience at the art exhibition. Report
Mathew’s question. 1
Did you enjoy the paintings at the exhibition?
x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the advertisement on a
travel website. 1
LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE? YOU ______ DISCOVER EXCITING
DESTINATIONS HERE.
(a) can (b) shall (c) may (d) should
xi) Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between Riya and her brother:
1
Riya: I am going to the market tomorrow.
Brother: I will join you.

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Riya mentioned to her brother that she was going to the market the next day. The brother added
that _______.
(a) he would join her (b) he will join her (c) he can join her (d) he could join her
xii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given sentence:
The committee members, along with the chairperson, ______ reached a consensus on the
proposal. 1
(a) has (b) have (c) were (d) is

4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below: 5

(A) There have been numerous instances of pollution and waste accumulation in our local
environment, leading to health hazards. Write a letter to the Mayor of your city in about 120 words
suggesting the need to implement stricter regulations on waste disposal. Recommend the
establishment of community clean-up drives to promote awareness about maintaining a clean
environment. You are Aarav / Priya, living at 45 Green Lane, Sunshine City. 5
OR
(B) A prominent health organization, "Health First," is organizing a community wellness fair in
your city to promote healthy living and raise awareness about various health issues. You are
Ananya/Ashish, the president of the local youth club in New Delhi. You are leading a group of fifty
volunteers from your club to assist in the event. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily
highlighting the importance of youth involvement in health initiatives as part of community service.
Emphasize the advantages of participating in such events for personal development and
community well-being.

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

(A) There are many benefits of healthy eating for adults as well as children. The following charts
reflect the same. Based on the information given in the charts, write an analytical paragraph in
about 120 words, assessing the importance of healthy eating for adults as well as children.

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 OR

(B) Here is the bar diagram showing the number of people (in thousands) who bought
smartphones versus laptops over the past five years (2019-2023). The smartphones represented
in grey and laptops in black. Write a paragraph analysing the given data in about 120 words.

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 SECTION C
LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (40 marks)
6 A. Read the given extracts and answer any one of the two questions given below: 5
So, in order not to shake the writer’s faith in God, the postmaster came up with an idea:
answer the letter. But when he opened it, it was evident that to answer it he needed something
more than goodwill, ink and paper. But he stuck to his resolution: he asked for money from his
employees, he himself gave part of his salary, and several friends of his were obliged to Give
something ‘for an act of charity’. It was impossible for him to gather together the hundred pesos,
so he was able to send the farmer only a little more than half. He put the money in an envelope
addressed to Lencho and with it a letter containing only a single word as a signature: God.
i) What motivated the postmaster to collect funds and send them to Lencho, as detailed in the
passage? 1
Options:
A) To exhibit his own magnanimity
B) To evaluate his colleagues' inclination towards charity
C) To uphold Lencho’s unwavering faith in divine intervention
D) To express empathy for Lencho’s predicament.
ii) Elaborate on the statement: "He put the money in an envelope addressed to Lencho and with
it a letter containing only a single word as a signature: God." 2
iii) Which word would correctly substitute “evident” in the given sentence from the extract.
But when he opened it, it was evident that to answer it he needed something more than
goodwill, ink and paper. 1
iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. 1
The postmaster’s willingness to contribute his own salary demonstrates a sense of _____
(selflessness / reluctance) in the extract.
OR
6 B. Read the given extracts and answer any one of the two questions given below:
Mme Loisel now knew the horrible life of necessity. She did her part, however, completely,
heroically. It was necessary to pay this frightful debt. She would pay it. They sent away the maid,
they changed their lodgings; they rented some rooms in an attic.
i) What does Mme Loisel’s acceptance of a life of hardship after losing the necklace primarily
demonstrate about her? 1

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Options:
A) Her indifference to luxury
B) Her sense of accountability
C) Her love for material wealth
D) Her unwillingness to face reality
ii) What does Mme Loisel's choice to accept a life of hardship reveal about her character? 2
iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. 1
Mme Loisel’s decision to repay the debt after losing the necklace shows her (perseverance /
indifference).
iv) Which word would correctly substitute "frightful" in the sentence from the extract: 1
"It was necessary to pay this frightful debt"?
7.Read the given extracts and answer the questions for any one of the two given. 5
(A) 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) Which word from the extract is closest in meaning to "perish"? 1
A) Succeed B) Endure C) cease to exist D) Thrive
ii) Why does the speaker consider ice to be a significant force of destruction? 2
iii)What is the tone of the speaker in the extract when discussing the potential destruction
caused by ice? 1
iv) Fill the blank with one word. 1
When the speaker says that ice could also bring about the end of the world, he refers to
_________, as the means for destruction.
OR
(B) Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you,
Amanda!
(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care;
life in a tower is tranquil and rare;
I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!)
i) Which word from the extract is closest in meaning to "tranquil"? 1
Options
A) Chaotic B) Calm C) Disturbing D) Busy

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ii) Why does Amanda choose to identify as Rapunzel? 2
iii) What tone does Amanda’s mother convey while using the word ‘don’t’? 1
iv) Fill the blank with one word. 1
Amanda’s words through these lines “I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!”) expresses
her_________________ not to let her hair down to escape from the tower.
8.Answer any four of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words. 4x3=12
i) Maxwell decides to keep an otter as a pet. Elucidate with reference to the fact that owning a
pet is a life of commitment. (Mijbil the Otter)
ii) Describe the methods used by the seagull family to help the young seagull overcome his fear
and fly. (His First Flight)
iii) ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a humorous ballad. How does Ogden Nash create
humour and entertainment in the poem?
iv) In what manner did Lord Buddha transform the woman's perspective on life? (The Sermon at
Benaras)
v) Justify the title of the play, ‘The Proposal’ with reference to the characters and plot.
9 Answer any two of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2x3=6
i) What circumstances led Mrs. Pumphrey to seek the intervention of a veterinarian in the story
"A Triumph of Surgery," and how did Tricki's condition reflect the consequences of her indulgent
care?
ii) Though Horace planned everything very meticulously, he was betrayed during the robbery. In
light of this, mention the ironic twists that bring out his vulnerability as a seasoned thief in ‘A
Question of Trust’.
iii) Ausable was always one step ahead of everyone. Highlight any two instances from the ‘The
Midnight Visitor’ to hold this statement as a fact.
10 Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words 6
A. How do the geographical position, inhabitants, and natural characteristics of Coorg contribute
to India's rich diversity and India’s favourite tourist destination?
B. “To save a penny is to earn it.” Justify this statement with reference to Valli's sacrifices of
various recreations and pleasures in order to accomplish her dream.
11.Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 6
A. ‘Pride has a fall’. Justify this statement giving relevant points from how Think -Tank reacted to
the readings from Mother Goose. (The Book that saved the Earth)
B. Parents play a crucial role in the upbringing of their children. Critically examine the parents of
Bholi and Ebright, highlighting their impact on their children’s lives.

END OF PAPER

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