Class X – English – 2023 – Paper 9

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Q.P Code: 2/4/1

ENGLISH

(Language and Literature)

Time allowed: 3 hours                                                                   Maximum Marks: 80

● Please check that this question paper contains 15 printed pages.

● Q.P. Code number given on the right hand side of the question paper should be written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.

● Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions.

● Please write down the Serial Number of the question in the answer book before attempting it.

● 15 minutes’ time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the candidates will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on the answer-book during this period

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

1. Read the passage given below:

1. Hiking is a great source of pleasure to us besides being beneficial for health. Once we leave the crowded streets of a city and go out for a walking tour away from the mad world, we really feel free. The open air has a bracing effect on the mind. The congestion of the city, the uproar and tumult, the intolerable noise of traffic, the hectic daily routine, all these are forgotten and the mind is at ease. We then feel like running, leaping, singing and laughing. We travel merrily mile after mile in the company of friends and associates.

2. Hiking takes us in the midst of nature. The sight of waterfalls, flowers, streams, trees and bushes is pleasing. A connect is established between us and nature. Various sounds of nature, like the murmur of a brook or the song of a bird, acquire a new meaning and significance to us.

3. You enjoy the beauty of nature. Minute observations like a snake casting its slough, a mouse peeping out of its hole, a squirrel leaping about on the branches of a tree, a bird flying past us, all these are noticed and they arouse our interest. We have no business worries, no fear of the examination, no anxiety about the home. We have leisure to stand, to walk and talk. It is more thrilling and pleasurable to hike in a mountainous region than in the plains. The excitement of climbing up to the top of a hill, the adventure of coming down a slope, the grandeur of sunset behind a mountain – All these sights lend a rare charm and interest to our journey.

4. We walk along a zigzag motor road or cut across a mountain path in search of adventure. We may have bright sunny weather or might get caught in a shower of rain. We may look below us into the yawning chasm or up at the mountain peak. The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy.

5. Hiking is one of the healthiest sports. It ensures a complete escape from the urgent and busy activities of life and therefore gives solace to our brain. It regains its lost energy and is able to do twice as much work as before.

6. The fresh air, beautiful mountains, majestic trees, chirping sound of birds make one’s mind and soul at peace with nature.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions below:  10×1=10

(i) To go out for a walking tour is

(a) to stroll.

(b) to ramble.

(c) to hike.

(d) to saunter.

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(ii) Why does the writer say that the mind is at ease when you hike?

(a) because hiking is an inexpensive activity.

(b) because it brings families together.

(c) because of intolerable noise of traffic.

(d) because the depressing daily routine is forgotten.

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(iii) Complete the following with a phrase:

The various sounds of nature acquire………..

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(iv) Infer one reason for the following based on information in paragraph 2.

A contact is established between us and nature.

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(v) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word from paragraph 2.

aroma: cooking; fragrance: __________

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(vi) Give one reason why it is a pleasure to hike in the mountains than in the plains.

(a) because observation is sharpened.

(b) because of the excitement of climbing up and adventure of coming down.

(c) because it is leisure to stand, to walk.

(d) because there are no worries.

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(vii) Hiking gives the brain, the rest it needs because

(a) it is a short time activity.

(b) it is one of the healthiest sports.

(c) it makes us sleep peacefully.

(d) it is an escape from our busy schedule.

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viii) List any two examples of minute observations you make while on a hike.

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ix) Supply one point to justify the following:

Hiking gives us a feeling of unlimited joy.

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(x) Substitute the word ‘leap with joy’ with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from the passage.

The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy.

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2. Read the extract given below:

1. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn’t grind to a halt. Why? Because a retired civil engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir Government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.

2. Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000 – 3,500 meters above sea level, has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture is completely dependent on glacier melt, unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years, with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the extreme winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.

3. It is located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one closer to the village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during April-May, the crucial sowing season. Further, layers of ice above melt with the increasing temperature, thus ensuring continuous supply to the fields. Therefore, farmers have been able to manage two crops instead of one. It costs about 1,50,000 and above to create a glacier.

4. Fondly called the glacier man, he has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort, he was conferred the Padma Shri by The President of India.

5. There are a few basic steps followed while creating an artificial glacier. River or stream water at high altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter i.e., in November, the diverted water is made to flow on sloping hills facing distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools which freeze. Forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an ‘artificial glacier’.

Based on your understanding of the extract, answer the questions below: 10×1=10

(i) Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph 1.

Areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortage but life didn’t grind to a halt.

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(ii) Select from the passage the appropriate option to fill in the blanks:

Agriculture is completely dependent on ___________ unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India.

(a) rainfall pattern

(b) climate change

(c) glaciers melt

(d) extreme winter conditions

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(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 3:

icing: cake :: layers ___________

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(iv) Select the correct option to complete the following sentence:

At the start of winter the diverted water is made to flow ____________

(a) on sloping hills facing distribution channels.

(b) on high altitude.

(c) on ice-cold water level.

(d) on mountain range.

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(v) From the chart select the months of water surplus.

(a) January, February.

(b) November, December.

(c) July, August, September.

(d) March, April.

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For Visually impaired candidates

(v) Describe the number of months which result in large accumulation of ice.

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(vi) Fill in the blank by selecting from the passage the correct option:

The ___________ have been the only source of water in areas in and around Ladakh.

(a) glaciers

(b) rivers

(c) streams

(d) water springs

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(vii) The word ‘located’ in paragraph 3 means:

(a) found

(b) locally found

(c) situated

(d) adapted

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(viii) Write any two steps followed while creating the glaciers.

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(ix) List one reason why artificial glaciers seem the best option.

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(x) Select the most suitable title from the following for the passage:

(a) Water Shortage.

(b) New Ways to Pool Water.

(c) Artificial Glacier.

(d) River Beds.

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SECTION – B

GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 20 Marks

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions:                        10×1=10

(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option:

The mud houses are not ________________ the buildings in your city.

(a) comparable to

(b) comparable of

(c) comparable as

(d) comparable for

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(ii) Read the conversation between a policeman and a driver. Complete the sentence by reporting the driver’s reply correctly.

Policeman: Why did you park your car here?

Don’t you see a ‘no parking area’.

Driver: Sorry Sir! The engine broke down.

The policeman asked the driver why he had parked the car there and if he didn’t see it was a ‘no parking area’. The driver felt sorry and explain ______________

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iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given sentence:

Where were you? You ___________ be in the class at the right time.

(a) shall

(b) should

(c) will

(d) would

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(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following sentence:

More of the fun and excitement in our lives comes from using our imagination.

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(v) Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option:

Each of the boys __________ rewarded.

(a) are being

(b) have been

(c) was

(d) were

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(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket:

Governments are starting programmes ____________ (teach) adults how to read and write.

(a) that teaching

(b) which taught

(c) to teach

(d) were teaching

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(vii) Report the dialogue between Ashish and his interviewer by completing the sentence:

Interviewer: Why do you want to be a computer programmer?

Ashish : I have always been interested in computers.

In response to the question of the interviewer about why Ashish wanted to be a computer programmer, he replied ____________

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(viii) Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction:

Latex was a natural polymer found beneath the bark of a mature rubber tree.

Use the given format for your response:

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(ix) Kabir shared some information with Sahil about his travel plans. Report Kabir’s plans.

I will go to Tripura tomorrow.

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(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the slogan.

_____________ONLY WEAPON TO FIGHT INJUSTICE IS EDUCATION

(a) THE

(b) A

(c) AN

(d) THIS

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(xi) Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between a passerby and a farmer.

Passerby: Can you tell me the way to Rampur.

Farmer: Drive for four kms and then turn right.

The passerby asked the farmer if he could tell him the way to Rampur. The farmer replied that ___________

(a) He may drive for four kms and then turn right

(b) he should drive for four kims and then turn right

(c) he might drive for four kms and then turn right

(d) he had to drive for four kms and then turn right.

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(xii) Identify the error in the statement given below and supply the correction. Use the given format for your response.

Water was vital to human health and fitness.

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5. Attempt any one from A and B given below:

(A) Technology today is an effective and convenient means of learning.                 5

4. You are Meera/Vaibhav and would like to share your views on the pros and cons of technology in education.

Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper expressing your views in about 100-120 words.

OR

4. (B) You are Aruna/Arjun C.C.A. incharge of St. Joseph’s High School, Pune Cantt. You have read an advertisement by the National Tourist Corporation, offering excellent prices for group tours.

Write a letter to enquire about the following:

• Duration of tour
• Sight seeing itinerary
• Cost of package discount
• Mode of transport
• Destination being offered

5. Attempt any one from A and B given below:

(A) The given pie-chart shows how water is consumed in households in a metropolitan city in India. Study the information carefully and write a paragraph analysing the given pie-chart data.

5 (A) For Visually impaired candidates.

List three ways in which we waste water and the ways how we can save water.

OR

5. (B) The chart below gives the percentage of social media users by age in India in 2020. Write a paragraph analysing the given information in 100-120 words                            5

SECTION – C 40 Marks

LITERATURE

6. (A) Read the extract given below and attempt the questions that follow: 5×1=5

Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. It was impossible to see anything outside the aeroplane. The old aeroplane jumped and twisted in the air. I looked at the compass. I couldn’t believe my eyes the compass was turning round and round and round. It was dead. It would not work. The other instruments were suddenly dead, too. I tried the radio. “Paris Control? Paris Control? Can you hear me?” There was no answer. The radio was dead too. I had no radio, no compass, and I could not see where I was. I was lost in the storm.

(i) As soon as the pilot was inside the cloud ____________

(a) his ears got blocked.

(b) he choked with fear.

(c) his vision was obstructed.

(d) he was jumping up and down.

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(ii) The devices in the aeroplane were ___________

(a) malfunctioning.

(b) broken completely.

(c) giving wrong readings.

(d) stopped responding completely.

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(iii) The Paris air control did not reply to the pilot’s call because __________

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(iv) Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word ‘twisted’ as used in the

extract.

(a) Ragini twisted Raghav’s wrist.

(b) Ragini twisted the story to suit the occasion.

(c) Ragini did not appreciate Raghav’s twisted bent of mind.

(d) Ragini matched the swimmer as he twisted twice in the air before diving into the water.

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(v) Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only:

The narrator’s ____________ comes through clearly when he sees the compass turning round and round.

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OR

6. (B) Read the extract given below and attempt the questions that follow: 5×1=5

Lomov But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen Meadows, its true were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about. You see my aunts grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants belonging to your father’s grandfather had the free use of Meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own, when it happened that_______

Natalya: No, it isn’t at all like that! Both grandfather and great grandfather reckoned that their land extended to Burnt Marsh which means Oxen Meadows were ours. I don’t see what there is to argue about, its simply silly.

(i) The subject of dispute was regarding

(a) free use of Meadows.

(b) making of bricks.

(c) peasants using Meadows.

(d) ownership of Meadows.

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(ii) Find the word from the extract which means ‘continuance’:

(a) dispute

(b) perpetuity

(c) belonging

(d) reckoned

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(iii) Lomov’s aunt’s grandmother gave Oxen Meadows to Natalya’s father’s grandfather in lieu of __________

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(iv) According to Natalya wy did Oxen Meadows belong to them?

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(v) Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only:

The peasants had free use of Meadows for __________ years

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7. (A) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:  5×1=5

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 tower is tranquil and

rare, I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair)

(i) The Speaker’s tone is

(a) loving.

(b) hopeful.

(c) instructive

(d) indifferent.

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(ii) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:

rare: uncommon :: peace: _____________

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(iii) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE :

Amanda did not want anyone to invade her privacy and silence.

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(iv) Select the appropriate option:

Amanda’s mother is continuously _________ Amanda.

(a) encouraging

(b) reprimanding

(c) motivating

(d) disappointing

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(v) Which word in the extract is opposite in meaning to

the word ‘dull’ ?

(a) dreary

(b) shady

(c) bright

(d) angry

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7. (B) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows:            5 x 1 = 5

He stalks in his vivid stripes

The few steps of his cage,

On pads of velvet quiet,

In his quiet rage.

He should be lurking in shadow,

Sliding through long grass

Near the water hole

Where plump deer pass.

(i) ‘Quiet rage’ refers to the tigers __________

(a) helplessness

(b) he has not been able to hunt

(c) his prey has not come to the water hole

(d) he is not free

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(ii) He is lurking in shadows because___________

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(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:

It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for ‘pads of velvet’ because _________ (clue-explain how metaphor applies here).

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(iv) Find a word from the extract which means – to walk with measured, stiff or haughty strides :

(a) steps

(b) lurking

(c) pads

(d) stalk

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(v) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:

The tiger is stealthily waiting for the deer to come to the water hole.

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Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each :                4×3=12

(a) Why did the night after the rains turn sorrowful for Lencho ?

(A letter to God)

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(b) Describe the young seagull’s first flight.

(Two stories about flying)

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(c) Who are paders and why are they friends of children?

(Glimpses of India)

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(d) How did Valli gather the details of the bus journey?

(Madam rides the bus)

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(e) Describe how Custard the dragon fights with the Pirate.

(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)

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9. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each:   2×3=6

(a) How did Mrs. Pumphery treat Tricki?

(The Triumph of Surgery)

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(b) How did Ausable get rid of Max without using a weapon.

(The Midnight Visitor)

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(c) Why did Richard Ebright raise a flock of butterflies?

(Making of a scientist)

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10. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words:

(a) ‘As ripe fruits are in danger of falling early, so mortals when born are always in danger of death’. With this statement of the Buddha find out the moral values that Kisa Gotami learnt after the death of her child. 6

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(b) ‘No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or his religion’. Do you agree? Elaborate on the basis of the chapter “Nelson Mandela – Long walk to freedom”.                                                                                                  6

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11. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words:

(a) Contentment in one’s life is very important to lead a peaceful life. We should be happy with what we have and should not crave for what we don’t have. Matilda suffered in life because she was not content in her life. Her desires led to her disaster. What do you learn from her mistake in life?                                                                                                                        6

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OR

(b) Trust and compassion can reform a person. Justify this statement in the light of the lesson “The Thief’s Story”.

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