Textbook in English for Class X 

• 1. A Letter to God : G.L.FUENTES

• Dust of Snow :ROBERT FROST

• Fire and Ice ROBERT FROST

• 2. Nelson Mandela : Long Walk to Freedom : NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA

• A Tiger in the Zoo : LESLIE NORRIS

• 3. Two Stories about Flying

• I. His First Flight : LIAM O’ FLAHERTY

• II. Black Aeroplane : FREDERICK FORSYTH

• How to Tell Wild Animals : CAROLYN WELLS

• The Ball Poem : JOHN BERRYMAN

• 4. From the Diary of Anne Frank : ANNE FRANK

• Amanda! : ROBIN KLEIN

• 5. The Hundred Dresses–I : ELEANOR ESTES

• 6. The Hundred Dresses–II : ELEANOR ESTES

• Animals : WALT WHITMAN

• 7. Glimpses of India

• I. A Baker from Goa : LUCIO RODRIGUES

• II. Coorg : LOKESH ABROL

• III. Tea from Assam : ARUP KUMAR DATTA

• The Trees : ADRIENNE RICH

• 8. Mijbil the Otter : GAVIN MAXWELL

• Fog : CARL SANDBURG

• 9. Madam Rides the Bus : VALLIKKANNAN

• The Tale of Custard the Dragon : OGDEN NASH

• 10. The Sermon at Benares

• For Anne Gregory : WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS

• 11. The Proposal : ANTON CHEKOV

Supplimentary Reader in English for Class X

• 1. A Triumph of Surgery : JAMES HERRIOT

• 2. The Thief’s Story : RUSKIN BOND

• 3. The Midnight Visitor : ROBERT ARTHUR

• 4. A Question of Trust : VICTOR CANNING

• 5. Footprints without Feet : H.G. WELLS

• 6. The Making of a Scientist : ROBERT W. PETERSON

• 7. The Necklace : GUY DE MAUPASSANT

• 8. The Hack Driver : SINCLAIR LEWIS

• 9. Bholi : K.A. ABBAS

• 10. The Book That Saved the Earth : CLAIRE BOIKO

ENGLITHUB 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)
CLASS-X- (2024-25)

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 (20 marks)

1. Read the following text. (10 marks)

(1) In the fast-paced world we live in today, technology has become an integral part of our lives. From communication to healthcare, education to entertainment, technology has transformed how we interact with the world around us. However, this growing reliance on technology has also raised concerns about the impact it has on human relationships, health, and the environment.

(2) One significant concern is the way technology affects personal interactions. With the rise of smartphones and social media platforms, face-to-face communication has decreased. People are more likely to send a quick message than engage in a meaningful conversation, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

(3) Technology has also impacted physical health. Long hours spent in front of screens, whether for work or leisure, have led to a rise in sedentary lifestyles. This has contributed to a number of health issues, including obesity, eye strain, and poor posture. Moreover, the addiction to digital devices can disrupt sleep patterns, further affecting overall well-being.

(4) Despite these challenges, technology offers many benefits, particularly in the field of education. Online learning platforms have made knowledge more accessible to people worldwide. Students can now access a wealth of information at their fingertips, making learning more flexible and personalized. However, the digital divide— the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not—remains a barrier to educational equity.

(5) Another area where technology has made a positive impact is healthcare. Medical technology, from diagnostic tools to life-saving treatments, has revolutionized the healthcare industry. Telemedicine, for example, allows patients to consult doctors remotely, making healthcare more accessible, especially in rural areas.

(6) While technology presents both opportunities and challenges, its responsible use can lead to a more connected, informed, and healthier society. Individuals must balance their use of technology to ensure that it enhances, rather than detracts from, their well-being and relationships.

Created for Academic Usage / 361 words

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:

I In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘technology has become an integral part of our lives’ signify? (1 mark)

II Complete the following with the correct option from the two given.
One of the concerns mentioned in paragraph 2 about the effect of technology on personal interactions is _______.
a) the lack of face-to-face conversations.
b) the increasing reliance on written communication only.
(1 mark)

III How has the use of technology contributed to sedentary lifestyles, as per paragraph 3? (2 marks)

IV Select the option that best reflects the concept of the 'digital divide' in paragraph 4.
a) The divide between those who use technology for learning and those who don’t.
b) The gap between individuals with access to technology and those without.
c) The conflict between traditional education and online learning.
d) The separation between different forms of technology in the field of education.
(1 mark)

V State whether the following statement is True or False.
Technology has increased access to education but has not improved healthcare.
(1 mark)

VI Which of the following can help minimize the negative impact of technology on health?
a) Spending more time on social media to stay connected.
b) Reducing screen time and maintaining an active lifestyle.
c) Using multiple devices simultaneously for multitasking.
d) Avoiding all forms of technology altogether.
(1 mark)

VII List any two areas where technology has had a significant positive impact, according to the passage. (2 marks)

VIII Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given. (paragraph 6)
In the phrase ‘responsible use of technology,’ the word 'responsible' refers to __________.
a) using technology without any limitations.
b) ensuring that technology is used in a way that benefits society and individuals.
c) relying on technology for every task in daily life.
d) limiting technology use only to entertainment purposes.
(1 mark)

2. Read the following text. (10 marks)

(1) With increasing globalisation, food systems across the world are becoming more interconnected. Today, it is common to find fruits, vegetables, and other food items that originate from distant parts of the globe, right at our local grocery stores. However, this growing global food system comes with both benefits and challenges.

(2) On the one hand, the global food trade allows countries to access products that would not be available locally due to climate or geographical limitations. For example, countries in colder climates can import tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples from warmer regions. This ensures a more diverse range of food options year-round, contributing to improved nutrition and food security.

(3) On the other hand, the environmental costs of this interconnected food system are significant. Transporting food items over long distances leads to higher carbon emissions due to the use of fossil fuels. This increases the food system's carbon footprint, which contributes to global climate change. Additionally, the packaging required to transport food items across borders often results in increased plastic waste, further straining the environment.

(4) Another challenge is the economic impact on local farmers. As countries import cheaper food from abroad, local farmers may struggle to compete with the lower prices of imported goods. This can lead to a decline in local agriculture, which can have long-term consequences for food sovereignty— the ability of a country to control its own food production.

(5) Despite these challenges, there is growing awareness of the importance of sustainable food systems. Movements advocating for "local food" or "farm-to-table" practices emphasize the benefits of consuming locally produced food. This not only supports local farmers but also reduces the environmental impact of food transportation and packaging. Furthermore, local food systems are seen as more resilient in the face of global disruptions, such as pandemics or trade restrictions.

Created for academic usage / 314 words

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above:

I What does the phrase ‘global food trade allows countries to access products that would not be available locally’ mean in paragraph 2? (1 mark)

II Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below.
Assertion: The global food system has led to higher carbon emissions.
Reason: Food items are transported over long distances using fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
(1 mark)

III Which word in paragraph 3 indicates that transporting food across borders negatively affects the environment? (1 mark)

IV How does the global food system impact local farmers, as per paragraph 4? (1 mark)

V Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given.
In Maria’s country, importing food items like bananas from tropical regions contributes to the ______ of her local economy. (support / decline)
(1 mark)

VI What do the movements advocating for "local food" emphasize about the benefits of consuming locally produced food, as mentioned in paragraph 5? (1 mark)

VII Complete the sentence suitably.
The emphasis on consuming locally produced food highlights the importance of _________.
(1 mark)

VIII Why might the writer suggest that local food systems are more resilient in the face of global disruptions? (1 mark)

IX In the context of paragraph 5, describe two ways sustainable food systems contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the global food trade. (2 marks)

SECTION B: WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR (20 marks)
GRAMMAR 10
3. Complete any ten of twelve of the following tasks, as directed.

I. Fill in the blank with the correct determiner:
The results of the experiment were surprising. __________ changes were observed in the reaction.
A. Few
B. Little
C. Some
D. Much

II. Read the given sentence. Identify the error and supply the correction in the given format:
She does not believes that hard work always pays off.
ERROR: ________
CORRECTION: ________

III. Fill in the blank using the correct form of the verb:
When we ___________ the station, the train had already left.
A. reached
B. were reaching
C. have reached
D. had reached

IV. Fill in the blank with the correct option:
Ravi ___________ play the guitar very well, but he hasn’t practiced much lately.
A. used to
B. will
C. must
D. might

V. Complete the sentence using the appropriate determiner:
There isn’t ___________ water left in the bottle.
A. many
B. some
C. any
D. few

VI. Identify and correct the error in the sentence:
Each of the participants have submitted their responses.
ERROR: ________
CORRECTION: ________

VII. Complete the sentence using the correct tense form:
By this time next week, they ___________ the entire report.
A. will complete
B. will have completed
C. are completing
D. completed

VIII. Report the following dialogue:
Teacher: “Did you finish your homework on time?”
Student: “Yes, I finished it yesterday.”
The teacher asked if the student ____________ his homework on time, and the student replied that he ___________ it yesterday.

IX. Fill in the blank with the correct modal verb:
You ___________ leave now if you want to catch the bus.
A. could
B. should
C. might
D. must

X. Identify and correct the error in the following sentence:
Neither of the girls were ready for the presentation.
ERROR: ________
CORRECTION: ________

XI. Select the correct option to complete the sentence:
He ___________ working on this project for two months by the time it’s completed.
A. is
B. has been
C. will have been
D. was

XII. Complete the following sentence using the correct subject-verb agreement:
The news ___________ good today.
A. are
B. is
C. were
D. have been

WRITING (10 marks)

4A. You are Sameer Khanna, a resident of Sector 18, Noida. Write a letter in about 120 words to the Editor of a local newspaper, highlighting the issue of rising noise pollution in your area and its harmful effects. Suggest measures that can be taken to reduce this problem.
(5 marks)

OR

4B. You are Aditi Singh, a resident of Kanpur. Write a letter in about 120 words to the Manager of Green Mart Supermarket, complaining about a defective product you purchased from their store and requesting a refund or replacement.
(5 marks)

5A. You have been provided with the following details of a new smartphone:

• 5G connectivity with dual SIM support

• 108 MP rear camera with night mode and 32 MP front camera

• 6.5-inch OLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate

• 5000 mAh battery with fast charging

• Available in black, blue, and silver colours

Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, discussing the phone's features and why it might appeal to tech-savvy users.
(5 marks)

OR

5B. Read the following description of a new community park being developed in your locality:

• Features a walking trail, outdoor gym, and play area

• Beautifully landscaped with trees, flowers, and benches

• Separate space for yoga and meditation

• Pet-friendly zones

• Wheelchair accessible paths

Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, analyzing how this park will benefit different members of the community.
(5 marks)

SECTION D: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK (40 marks)

6. Read the given extracts and answer any one of the two questions given below. (5 marks)

A. “The house - the only one in the entire valley - sat on the crest of a low hill. From this height, one could see the river and the field of ripe corn dotted with the flowers that always promised a good harvest.” (A Letter to God)

I. What does the view of the house as described in the passage suggest about Lencho’s life and livelihood? a) It reflects isolation.
b) It showcases prosperity.
c) It hints at dependency on nature.
d) It suggests a desire for city life.
(Choose the correct option)
(1 mark)

II. How does the image of the valley contribute to the theme of the story?
(2 marks)

III. Which literary device is used in the description of the field of ripe corn in the passage?
(1 mark)

IV. How does the image of the valley create a contrast to the struggles faced by Lencho later in the story?
(1 mark)

B. “Then Nelson Mandela faced the audience and raised his right hand, and a roar of approval swelled in the stadium as he took the oath.” (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

I. How did Mandela’s audience react to his oath?
a) With indifference
b) With resistance
c) With overwhelming approval
d) With hostility
(Choose the correct option)
(1 mark)

II. How does the author’s use of vivid description build up the atmosphere in this extract?
(2 marks)

III. Fill in the blank with a suitable word: The "roar of approval" highlights the audience's _____ (support / uncertainty).
(1 mark)

IV. How does the moment of Mandela taking the oath reflect the significance of the event in South African history?
(1 mark)

7. Read the given extracts and answer any one of the two questions given below. (5 marks)

A. “Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.” (Fire and Ice)

I. Why does the poet use the elements of fire and ice as metaphors?
(2 marks)

II. What does the word "ice" symbolize in the poem?
(1 mark)

III. How does the rhyme scheme contribute to the simplicity of the poem?
(1 mark)

IV. What could be the poet’s main message in the line, “Some say the world will end in fire”?
(Choose the correct option)
a) Conflict and hatred will lead to destruction
b) Natural disasters will end the world
c) Emotional detachment will cause the downfall
d) Nature’s power is greater than humans
(1 mark)

B. "She had felt strangely attracted by his word. It was more like the words of a mother than a governess. When she was left alone, Anne’s first impulse was to kneel down on the floor and pray." (From the Diary of Anne Frank)

I. Why does Anne feel "strangely attracted" to the words of the governess?
(2 marks)

II. Fill in the blank with the correct word: The word "impulse" in this context suggests an ______ (instinctive / calculated) action by Anne.
(1 mark)

III. What kind of relationship does Anne have with her governess as seen in this extract?
(1 mark)

IV. How does this extract reflect the emotional struggles Anne goes through?
(1 mark)

8. Answer any four of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words each. (4x3=12 marks)

I. How does the poet in A Tiger in the Zoo create a contrast between the tiger in the wild and the tiger in the zoo?
(3 marks)

II. How does the ball in The Ball Poem become a symbol of loss and responsibility for the boy?
(3 marks)

III. What does Lencho’s trust in the post office in A Letter to God reveal about his character?
(3 marks)

IV. How does the imagery in Dust of Snow reflect the poet’s shift in mood?
(3 marks)

V. How does Dr. Herriot’s intervention in A Triumph of Surgery lead to a positive change in Tricki’s condition?
(3 marks)

9. Answer any two of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words each. (2x3=6 marks)

I. How does Ausable’s cleverness in The Midnight Visitor outsmart Max?
(3 marks)

II. How does the theme of trust and betrayal unfold in A Question of Trust?
(3 marks)

III. How does Anil’s character change the life of the thief in The Thief’s Story?
(3 marks)

10. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. (6 marks)

I. In Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, how does Mandela’s personal experiences shape his views on freedom and equality?
(6 marks)

II. How does the seagull’s journey in Two Stories about Flying reflect the themes of fear, courage, and growth?
(6 marks)

11. Answer any one of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. (6 marks)

I. In The Thief’s Story, how does the relationship between Anil and the thief highlight the theme of trust and transformation?
(6 marks)

II. How does the poem How to Tell Wild Animals use humor and irony to teach about different animals?
(6 marks)

Good Luck