English Paper -2009
Language and Literature
(Set 2) Class X
THE COMMON PORTIONS OF QUESTIONS HAVE NOT BEEN MENTIONED TO AVOID REPETITION
Q. 1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. Write the answers in your answer sheet in one or two lines only. Remember to number the answers correctly. 5
Early in the New Year of 1956 I travelled to Southern Iraq. By then it had crossed my mind that I should like to keep an otter instead of a dog, and that Camusfearna, ringed by water a stone’s throw from its door, would be an eminently suitable spot for this experiment. When I casually mentioned this to a friend, he as casually replied that I had better get one in the Tigris marshes, for there they were as common as mosquitoes, and were often tamed by the Arabs.
(a) Where was Maxwell living when he thought of keeping a pet? 1
(b) What pet did he think of keeping? 1
(c) Where could Maxwell easily get his pet and why? 2
(d) Which phrase in the passage means the same as ‘at a short distance’? 1
Early in the New Year of 1956 I travelled to Southern Iraq. By then it had crossed my mind that I should like to keep an otter instead of a dog, and that Camusfearna, ringed by water a stone’s throw from its door, would be an eminently suitable spot for this experiment. When I casually mentioned this to a friend, he as casually replied that I had better get one in the Tigris marshes, for there they were as common as mosquitoes, and were often tamed by the Arabs.
(a) Where was Maxwell living when he thought of keeping a pet? 1
(b) What pet did he think of keeping? 1
(c) Where could Maxwell easily get his pet and why? 2
(d) Which phrase in the passage means the same as ‘at a short distance’? 1
Ans. (a) Maxwell was living in Southern Iraq when he thought of keeping a pet.
(b) He thought of keeping an otter as a pet.
(c) Maxwell could easily get his pet in the Tigris marshes as they were commonly available there, often tamed by the Arabs.
(d) The phrase ‘a stone’s throw’ means the same as ‘at a short distance’.
(b) He thought of keeping an otter as a pet.
(c) Maxwell could easily get his pet in the Tigris marshes as they were commonly available there, often tamed by the Arabs.
(d) The phrase ‘a stone’s throw’ means the same as ‘at a short distance’.
Q. 2. Answer the following question in about 80 words: 6 Describe what you know about the people of Coorg and their descent.
Or
What did Buddha say about death and suffering? Explain by giving examples from the text.
Or
Buddha says the life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and combined with pain. Like in the case of Kisa Gotami who is grieved when she loses her only son. There is no means by which those who are born can avoid dying; after reaching old age there is death; of such a nature are living things. As ripe fruits are always in danger of falling, similarly mortals when born are always in danger of death. As all earthen vessels made by the potter end up being broken, so is the life of mortals who all fall into the power of death.
Q. 3. Answer the following question in about 100 words: 8 How had Horace Danby planned to rob the Shotover Grange?
Or
Describe Griffin’s activities in the village of Iping.
Or
Griffin dissuaded all efforts of his landlady, Mrs. Hall to be friendly. He told her he wished to be alone and did not wish to be disturbed. He stole the housekeeping money from the clergyman’s desk as he had already spent all the earlier stolen money. He terrorised the landlord and his wife by hurling and charging the household furniture at them. Mrs. Hall was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits and the neighbours believed all the trouble was caused by witchcraft. Finally, when Mrs. Hall confronted him, Griffin became a headless man and knocked Jaffers, the constable unconscious.
Q. 4. Answer the following question in 30-40 words: 4
Why was Fowler disappointed when he saw Ausable for the first time?
Why was Fowler disappointed when he saw Ausable for the first time?
Q .5. The approach road to a popular shopping complex in your area has been in a bad shape, all dug out for the last one year, causing a lot of inconvenience to the visitors. You are Abhimanyu/Aishwariya living at B-104, Maya Enclave, New Delhi. Write a letter to the Dy. Commissioner, MCD, New Delhi, highlighting the need for an urgent repair of the road. 8
Ans. B–104, Maya Enclave
New Delhi
17th January, 20xx
To
The Deputy Commissioner
MCD, New Delhi
New Delhi
17th January, 20xx
To
The Deputy Commissioner
MCD, New Delhi
Subject: Urgent repair of Grand Mall’s approach road
Sir,
Through this letter I would like to bring to your notice the need for the urgent repair of the approach road of Grand Mall, in Maya Enclave. This road has been in a rather bad shape. The road was all dug up last year to lay down new sewage pipes but it has not been repaired till now. This is causing a lot of inconvenience to the visitors who are stuck in hour long traffic jams as the traffic moves at a very slow-pace due to the highly uneven road. It is my request to you to look into this matter personally and urgently and get this road repaired so that visitors are spared undue inconvenience. Awaiting your early response. Yours sincerely
Abhimanyu
Sir,
Through this letter I would like to bring to your notice the need for the urgent repair of the approach road of Grand Mall, in Maya Enclave. This road has been in a rather bad shape. The road was all dug up last year to lay down new sewage pipes but it has not been repaired till now. This is causing a lot of inconvenience to the visitors who are stuck in hour long traffic jams as the traffic moves at a very slow-pace due to the highly uneven road. It is my request to you to look into this matter personally and urgently and get this road repaired so that visitors are spared undue inconvenience. Awaiting your early response. Yours sincerely
Abhimanyu
Or
You are Shobhit/Shabnam, residing in the hostel of Doon Public School, Dehradun. Your room partner, Shivam/Shobhna met with an accident, got his/her leg fractured, was hospitalised and advised rest. Write a letter to his/her father informing him about the accident and asking him not to worry about him/her.
Ans. Room No. 2051
Doon Public School
Dehradun 1st October, 20xx
Respected Uncle,
I am sure you will be quite surprised to receive a letter from me. But before I begin this letter I would like to assure you that there is no cause for concern or worry. Three days ago Shobhna had met with an accident when she fell off a galloping horse during our horse-riding class. She was immediately rushed to the local hospital by the school authorities, where she was hospitalised for two days as her leg had got fractured. She has now returned back to the hostel and has been advised two-weeks rest. She is feeling fine at the moment and insists that I write to you to give this information. I assure you that she is fine and I will make sure that she takes proper rest as I am personally taking care of her. Shobhna sends her love to you and Auntie and please also accept my due regards to both of you. Yours truly
Shabnam
Doon Public School
Dehradun 1st October, 20xx
Respected Uncle,
I am sure you will be quite surprised to receive a letter from me. But before I begin this letter I would like to assure you that there is no cause for concern or worry. Three days ago Shobhna had met with an accident when she fell off a galloping horse during our horse-riding class. She was immediately rushed to the local hospital by the school authorities, where she was hospitalised for two days as her leg had got fractured. She has now returned back to the hostel and has been advised two-weeks rest. She is feeling fine at the moment and insists that I write to you to give this information. I assure you that she is fine and I will make sure that she takes proper rest as I am personally taking care of her. Shobhna sends her love to you and Auntie and please also accept my due regards to both of you. Yours truly
Shabnam
Q. 6. The flood in the Kosi river uprooted millions of people in Bihar. Write an article on ‘River in Flood’ in about 80 words describing the cause of the flood, loss of life, crops, property etc. and the relief measures taken. 8
Ans. RIVER IN FLOOD
Incessant and continuous rains have resulted in the flooding of the Kosi river and consequently uprooting millions of people in Bihar. More than 150 people have lost their lives in the 25 worst affected villages. Property has been damaged and crops too have been adversely affected by the on going rains. The Central as well as the State Governments have taken up various relief measures for the displaced persons. Relief camps have been set-up, helicopters have been deployed for dropping food packets in the worst affected areas. Political leaders have made aerial surveys to assess the flood situation.
Incessant and continuous rains have resulted in the flooding of the Kosi river and consequently uprooting millions of people in Bihar. More than 150 people have lost their lives in the 25 worst affected villages. Property has been damaged and crops too have been adversely affected by the on going rains. The Central as well as the State Governments have taken up various relief measures for the displaced persons. Relief camps have been set-up, helicopters have been deployed for dropping food packets in the worst affected areas. Political leaders have made aerial surveys to assess the flood situation.
Or
Sushil gave India his best show in the Beijing Olympics 2008, and won a bronze medal for his country in 66 kg freestyle wrestling. Write a paragraph in about 80 words using the hints given below.
A village boy of Najafgarh — love for sports — years of practice in village dusty akharas— still a single — determination to win gold in the 2012 Olympics–in Beijing defeated several world class wrestlers — got recognition, glory and cash awards — became a role model.
A village boy of Najafgarh — love for sports — years of practice in village dusty akharas— still a single — determination to win gold in the 2012 Olympics–in Beijing defeated several world class wrestlers — got recognition, glory and cash awards — became a role model.
Ans. Sushil, a village boy from Najafgarh, gave his best show in the Beijing Olympics, 2008 and won a bronze medal for our country in the 66 kg freestyle wrestling. His love for sports made him undertake years of practice in the dusty village akharas. Sushil who is still single is determined to win the gold medal in the 2012 Olympics. In Beijing, he defeated several world class wrestlers. This got him recognition, glory and even cash awards thus making him a role model for aspiring young wrestlers.
Q. 7. Using the hints given below and your own ideas, write a short paragraph in about 60 words on ‘The Value of Politeness in Daily Life’. 4
meaning—politeness in family and social relationships—uses—sweetens relationship— spreads joy, love, cooperation—eases tension and anxiety—oils the machine of life.
meaning—politeness in family and social relationships—uses—sweetens relationship— spreads joy, love, cooperation—eases tension and anxiety—oils the machine of life.
Ans .
THE VALUE OF POLITENESS IN DAILY LIFE
Politeness refers to one’s ability to be courteous and respectful to the people with whom one deals. Politeness is most useful in family and social relationships as it sweetens relationships and spreads joy, love and co-operation. It is also useful in easing tension and anxiety. It keeps the machine of our life oiled and running smoothly.
Or
Your school organised an exhibition on the theme, ‘Science and Technology and the Planet Earth’. Mentioning the number of schools that participated, the models displayed, welcome to the chief guest, award of prizes etc., write a report in about 60 words. You are Sachin/Sanchita, the Head boy/Head girl of your school, Vidya Niketan, Agra.
Ans. SCIENCE EXHIBITION
By : Sanchita, Head girl
Vidya Niketan, Agra
By : Sanchita, Head girl
Vidya Niketan, Agra
Our school organised an exhibition on the theme ‘Science and Technology and the Planet Earth’ in which ten schools of our city participated. Various models relating to consequences of global warming and pollution, were displayed. After welcoming our honourable chief guest, the Minister of State for Education, the students explained the working of their models. Prizes were awarded to the best three models.
SECTION C - Grammar 15
Q .6. Fill in the following blanks with suitable non-finites: 1/2 x 4=2
In order (a) _________ (succeed) we should have confidence in (b) _________ (win). With this ideal in mind the American swimmer, Phelps created history by (c) _________ (break) the record of the highest number of gold medals ever (d) _________ (win) by an athlete in the Olympic history.
In order (a) _________ (succeed) we should have confidence in (b) _________ (win). With this ideal in mind the American swimmer, Phelps created history by (c) _________ (break) the record of the highest number of gold medals ever (d) _________ (win) by an athlete in the Olympic history.
Ans. (a) to succeed (b) winning (c) breaking (d) won
Q. 7. Read the dialogue given below and complete the passage that follows. Write the answers in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. Do not copy the whole sentences. 1x 3=3
Mrs. Bhalla : I can’t believe it! I’ve lost ten pounds.
Mr. Bhalla : That’s great! Your diet seems to be working.
Mrs. Bhalla : I hope you have not disturbed the scales.
Mrs. Bhalla expressing surprise told her husband (a) _________ that she had lost ten pounds. Mr. Bhalla exclaimed that was great and added (b) _________ working. Mrs. Bhalla commented that she hoped (c) _________ .
Mrs. Bhalla : I can’t believe it! I’ve lost ten pounds.
Mr. Bhalla : That’s great! Your diet seems to be working.
Mrs. Bhalla : I hope you have not disturbed the scales.
Mrs. Bhalla expressing surprise told her husband (a) _________ that she had lost ten pounds. Mr. Bhalla exclaimed that was great and added (b) _________ working. Mrs. Bhalla commented that she hoped (c) _________ .
Ans. (a) she could not believe (b) that her diet seemed to be (c) he had not disturbed the scales.
Q. 8. Look at the words and phrases given below. Rearrange them to form meaningful sentences. The fi rst one has been done as an example. Write the correct sentences in your answer sheet. Remember to number the answers correctly. 1x 2=2
Example: places/because I/I travel/visit/like to I travel because I like to visit places. (a) me/a sense/it/of freedom/gives (b) there/people/I/different/meet/kinds of
Example: places/because I/I travel/visit/like to I travel because I like to visit places. (a) me/a sense/it/of freedom/gives (b) there/people/I/different/meet/kinds of
Ans. (a) It gives me a sense of freedom. (b) I meet different kinds of people there.
Q. 9. In the passage given below, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word along with the word that comes before and the word that comes after it in your answer sheet. Ensure that the word that forms your answer is underlined as shown. 1/2 x 6=3
It is peculiar human trait. e.g. is a peculiar
We careful about our personal hygiene. (a) __________
We take great pride in keeping homes (b) __________
neat clean. But we have no (c) __________
regret when we throw garbage out the (d) __________
windows. We believe once our rubbish (e) __________
is out of our doors, is no longer our concern. (f) __________
It is peculiar human trait. e.g. is a peculiar
We careful about our personal hygiene. (a) __________
We take great pride in keeping homes (b) __________
neat clean. But we have no (c) __________
regret when we throw garbage out the (d) __________
windows. We believe once our rubbish (e) __________
is out of our doors, is no longer our concern. (f) __________
Ans. (a) we are careful (b) keeping our homes (c) neat and clean (d) out of the (e) believe that once (f) doors, it is
Q .10. Read the following sentences and complete the paragraph that follows. Write the correct answers in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. Do not copy the whole sentences. 1 x 3=3
(a) The Delhi police have issued the description of a man.
(b) People last saw him at the Radish Hotel.
(c) He was wearing a dark suit.
The description of a man (a) __________________ . He (b) __________________ at the Radish Hotel. At that time it is said that a dark suit (c) __________________ .
(a) The Delhi police have issued the description of a man.
(b) People last saw him at the Radish Hotel.
(c) He was wearing a dark suit.
The description of a man (a) __________________ . He (b) __________________ at the Radish Hotel. At that time it is said that a dark suit (c) __________________ .
Ans. (a) has been issued by the Delhi police. (b) was last seen by people (c) was worn by him.
Q. 11. The underlined words in the following passage have been used inappropriately. Replace them with their appropriate forms. Write your answers in your answer sheet with correct numbers. Do not copy the whole passage. 1/2 x 4=2
Food is necessary for children to grow and be (a) health. Their needs for food differ (b) wide from those of adults. Proper nutrition at the (c) rightly time is responsible for good mental, physical and emotional health. A child needs a (d) balance diet to prevent problems like obesity.
Food is necessary for children to grow and be (a) health. Their needs for food differ (b) wide from those of adults. Proper nutrition at the (c) rightly time is responsible for good mental, physical and emotional health. A child needs a (d) balance diet to prevent problems like obesity.
Ans. (a) healthy (b) widely (c) right (d) balanced.
SECTION D—Literature 45
Q. 12. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. Write the answers in your answer sheet in one or two lines only. Remember to number the answers correctly. 5
One of the employees, who was a postman and also helped at the post office, went to his boss laughing heartily and showed him the letter to God. Never in his career as a postman had he known that address. The postmaster—a fat, amiable fellow—also broke out laughing, but almost immediately he turned serious and, tapping the letter on his desk, commented, “What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter. Starting up a correspondence with God!”
(a) Why did the postman laugh heartily? 1
(b) Which address had the postman never known? 1
(c) What type of man was the postmaster? 1
(d) Why did the postmaster become serious all of a sudden? 1
(e) Which word in the passage means the same as ‘letter-writing’? 1
One of the employees, who was a postman and also helped at the post office, went to his boss laughing heartily and showed him the letter to God. Never in his career as a postman had he known that address. The postmaster—a fat, amiable fellow—also broke out laughing, but almost immediately he turned serious and, tapping the letter on his desk, commented, “What faith! I wish I had the faith of the man who wrote this letter. Starting up a correspondence with God!”
(a) Why did the postman laugh heartily? 1
(b) Which address had the postman never known? 1
(c) What type of man was the postmaster? 1
(d) Why did the postmaster become serious all of a sudden? 1
(e) Which word in the passage means the same as ‘letter-writing’? 1
Ans. (a) The postman laughed heartily on seeing a letter addressed to ‘God’.
(b) The postman had never known God’s address.
(c) The postmaster was a fat and amiable fellow.
(d) On reflecting upon the writer’s immense faith in God the postmaster, all of a sudden became serious.
(e) The word ‘correspondence’ in the passage means the same as ‘letter-writing’.
(b) The postman had never known God’s address.
(c) The postmaster was a fat and amiable fellow.
(d) On reflecting upon the writer’s immense faith in God the postmaster, all of a sudden became serious.
(e) The word ‘correspondence’ in the passage means the same as ‘letter-writing’.
Q. 13. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. Write the answers in your answer sheet in one or two lines only. Remember to number the answers correctly. 5
The first period was a study period. Maddie tried to prepare her lessons, but she could not put her mind on her work. She had a very sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach. True, she had not enjoyed listening to Peggy ask Wanda how many dresses she had in her closet, but she had said nothing. She had stood by silently, and that was just as bad as what Peggy had done. Worse. She was a coward. At least Peggy hadn’t considered they were being mean but she, Maddie, had thought they were doing wrong. She could put herself in Wanda’s shoes.
(a) Why could Maddie not prepare her lessons? 1
(b) What had Peggy asked Wanda. 1
(c) What was her cowardly act? 1
(d) How was Maddie’s attitude towards Wanda different from that of Peggy? 1
(e) Which word or phrase in the passage means the same as ‘pay attention to’? 1
The first period was a study period. Maddie tried to prepare her lessons, but she could not put her mind on her work. She had a very sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach. True, she had not enjoyed listening to Peggy ask Wanda how many dresses she had in her closet, but she had said nothing. She had stood by silently, and that was just as bad as what Peggy had done. Worse. She was a coward. At least Peggy hadn’t considered they were being mean but she, Maddie, had thought they were doing wrong. She could put herself in Wanda’s shoes.
(a) Why could Maddie not prepare her lessons? 1
(b) What had Peggy asked Wanda. 1
(c) What was her cowardly act? 1
(d) How was Maddie’s attitude towards Wanda different from that of Peggy? 1
(e) Which word or phrase in the passage means the same as ‘pay attention to’? 1
Ans. (a) Maddie could not prepare her lessons because she could not put her mind on her work as she was thinking about what Peggy had said to Wanda.
(b) Peggy had asked Wanda how many dresses she had in her closet. (c) Her cowardly act was to stand by silently.
(d) Maddie had thought they were doing wrong with Wanda and Peggy had not considered that they were being mean.
(e) The phrase ‘put her mind’ means the same as ‘pay attention to’.
(b) Peggy had asked Wanda how many dresses she had in her closet. (c) Her cowardly act was to stand by silently.
(d) Maddie had thought they were doing wrong with Wanda and Peggy had not considered that they were being mean.
(e) The phrase ‘put her mind’ means the same as ‘pay attention to’.
Q. 16. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. 4
They do not sweat and whine about their condition,
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God,
Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with the mania of owning things.
(a) Who are ‘they’? 1
(b) Mention two things which ‘they’ don’t do. 2
(c) Who, do you think, have the mania of owning things? 1
They do not sweat and whine about their condition,
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God,
Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with the mania of owning things.
(a) Who are ‘they’? 1
(b) Mention two things which ‘they’ don’t do. 2
(c) Who, do you think, have the mania of owning things? 1
Ans. (a) ‘They’ are the animals.
(b) They do not whine about their condition and they do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins. (c) Humans have the mania of owning things.
(b) They do not whine about their condition and they do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins. (c) Humans have the mania of owning things.
Or
The trees inside are moving out into the forest,
the forest that was empty all these days
where no bird could sit no insect hide
no sun bury its feet in shadow.
the forest that was empty all these nights
will be full of trees by morning.
(a) Why was the forest empty all these days? 1
(b) Which two things can’t happen in a treeless forest? 2
(c) What will happen in the morning? 1
the forest that was empty all these days
where no bird could sit no insect hide
no sun bury its feet in shadow.
the forest that was empty all these nights
will be full of trees by morning.
(a) Why was the forest empty all these days? 1
(b) Which two things can’t happen in a treeless forest? 2
(c) What will happen in the morning? 1
Ans. (a) The forest was empty all these days because it was devoid of trees.
(b) Birds cannot sit and insects cannot hide in a treeless forest.
(c) The forest will be full of trees in the morning.
(b) Birds cannot sit and insects cannot hide in a treeless forest.
(c) The forest will be full of trees in the morning.
Q. 17. Answer any two of the following questions in 30-40 words each: 6
(a) ‘Money is external.’ What does the poet mean by this expression taken from ‘The Ball Poem’?
(b) What message does the poet want to convey through the poem, ‘Amanda’?
(c) ‘Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice!’ What is the underlying idea which the poet wants to convey?
(a) ‘Money is external.’ What does the poet mean by this expression taken from ‘The Ball Poem’?
(b) What message does the poet want to convey through the poem, ‘Amanda’?
(c) ‘Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice!’ What is the underlying idea which the poet wants to convey?
Ans. (a) By this expression the poet intends to make us realize the mere material value of money which in no way helps us to understand the essential worth of a commodity. In this world of possessions, the value of money is only to buy things and not to understand the true value of things.
(b) Through the poem ‘Amanda’ the poet wishes to convey a young girl’s longing for freedom. He wants us to know that children should not be controlled and instructed in everything they do. Too much of instructions force them to create their own world of illusions.
(c) The poet wants to convey that today’s world is filled either with ‘fire’ which stands for hatred, lust, cruelty, fury and avarice or ‘ice’ which stands for insensitivity, coldness, indifference and intolerance.
(b) Through the poem ‘Amanda’ the poet wishes to convey a young girl’s longing for freedom. He wants us to know that children should not be controlled and instructed in everything they do. Too much of instructions force them to create their own world of illusions.
(c) The poet wants to convey that today’s world is filled either with ‘fire’ which stands for hatred, lust, cruelty, fury and avarice or ‘ice’ which stands for insensitivity, coldness, indifference and intolerance.
Q. 18. Answer the following question in about 100 words: 8
‘Instead of being delighted, as her husband had hoped, Mme Loisel threw the invitation card spitefully.’ What was the new problem that disturbed her mind and how was that solved?
‘Instead of being delighted, as her husband had hoped, Mme Loisel threw the invitation card spitefully.’ What was the new problem that disturbed her mind and how was that solved?
Q. 19. Answer the following question in 30-40 words: 4
In what way did Think Tank misinterpret the following innocent nursery rhyme as a threat to the martians? ‘Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall Humpty Dumpty had a great fall…’
In what way did Think Tank misinterpret the following innocent nursery rhyme as a threat to the martians? ‘Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall Humpty Dumpty had a great fall…’
Or
How did Ausable manage to make Max believe that there was a balcony attached to his room?
Or
Ausable at first makes a casual remark to Max about the existence of a balcony attached to his room and then very naturally goes on to give a detailed and realistic account about how this balcony had become a nuisance for him, easily managing to make Max believe that there was a balcony attached to his room.
Q. 20. Answer the following question in 20-30 words : 3
Why was it not difficult for Horace to open the safe?
Why was it not difficult for Horace to open the safe?
Or
Why was the narrator sent back to New Mullion? Who went with him?
Or
The narrator had been unable to trace Lutkins and so he had returned without serving summons on him. So he was sent back to New Mullion again for the same job now with a man who had worked with Lutkins and recognised him.
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