Date of Submission: 25th August, 2020

Grade 10 – Holiday Homework-1 (2020-21)

Reading (Portfolio)
1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below.

(1) If you have been missing the once-familiar chirping of sparrows around your house,
here’s your chance to contribute to finding out why this common bird seems to have
disappeared from cities across India.

(2) A two-month-long survey called Citizen Sparrow was launched inviting responses from
people on questions such as when they last sighted the details about the area that they live in.

(3) “It is an elementary step to gather information. We are encouraging people to report their
experience, be it a drastic drop in sparrow count or a sudden spurt. These inputs will give us
valuable leads to combine Pan-India data,” said Suhel Quader, evolutionary ecologist at the
national Centre for Biological Sciences.

(4) The disappearance of the sparrow – so widespread till recently that the Chinese
Communist Party declared it a pest in 1958 and asked people to exterminate it- remains a
great modern mystery worldwide. In the UK sparrows are estimated to have declined from
over 12 million to 6 million since the mid 70’s

(5) “The survey would give us the first baseline data about the distribution of sparrows across
the country. This would form the basis of further research,” said Karthik K, project
coordinator.

(6) The objective of involving ordinary citizens rather than experts comes with a purpose.
“Almost everyone knows about sparrows. It is an attempt to reach out to people, asking them
to share their stories and their understanding of these birds,” said Quader.

(7) Participants in the survey would be asked to mark locations on a map and give
information about their sparrow sightings, including sightings from last year and even earlier.
Such information will enable a comparison of population of sparrows in different places and
this is expected to point to particular threats and problems. The findings are intended to feed
detailed studies investigating causes of the decline and potential measures for the recovery of
sparrow populations.

(8) The sparrow is an indicator of a trend. A number of other birds have also declined sharply
in the past few decades. The survey would provide clues about why these birds are
disappearing.

1.1. a) The survey is called “Citizen Sparrow” because it will

i) involve ordinary citizens.
ii) be useful in saving sparrows.
iii) study the sparrow habitat.
 iv) revive interest in sparrows

b) The passage is about

i) saving sparrows.
ii) evolution of sparrows.
iii) elimination of sparrows.
iv) dwindling rate of sparrows.

c) Pan-India data would imply data

i) from selected parts of India
ii) from all over India.
iii) from South India.
iv) not from India

d) The estimated decline in sparrows in the UK is

i) a quarter of the number in the mid-80s.
ii) half of the number in the mid-80s.
iii) one-eighth of the number in the mid-80s.
iv) three-fourths of the number in the mid-80s.

e) The reasons for involving ordinary citizens are that

i) they are more committed.
ii) they are better than the experts.
iii) they know about sparrows.
iv) they have stories about sparrows.

f) By marking locations on maps, participants will be able to

i) give information regarding sighting of sparrows in different places.
ii) give an account of sparrows from previous years.
iii) give an account of sparrows of the current years.
iv) mark locations of sparrows and provide information about them.

g) The outcome of the information collected would be to supply in depth

information that would
i) investigate causes for the decline.
ii) help take measures for recovery
iii) study the behavioural patterns of birds.
iv) investigate and provide possible measures to stop the decline.

h) The trend is that

i) only sparrow populations are declining.
ii) a number of other bird populations are declining.
iii) people are apathetic about the reasons for the decline in bird populations.
iv) the sparrow population has shown a spurt in the current years.

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2. Read the passage given below.
(1) Sleeplessness makes you tired, irritable, depressed and overweight, it also makes you ill.
Erratic sleep schedules, because of work, travel or lifestyle, can cause heart disease, insulin
resistance, insulin resistance that leads to diabetes and frequent infections because of lowered
immunity even you are otherwise healthy.

(2) If you struggle to nod off or get up frequently in the night for no apparent reason, here’s
what you need to do to get the sleep that’s been eluding you. Smartphones, tablets, televisions
and digital gadgets emit a blue-light wave length that affects your body’s levels of melatonin,
an essential hormone that kicks in the sleep cycle.

(3) Melatonin, which controls your sleep-wake cycle, is regulated by light and is released
when it is dark to wind you down and prepare the body for rest. Light, including backlit
screens, disrupts the release and keeps you alert. This will not only make it harder for you to
nod off but also lower the quality of rest when you finally sleep. Regular exercise improves
sleep quality as long as you don’t do adrenaline-pumping workouts too close to bedtime. A
post workout burst of energy can keep you awake, so aim to finish your vigorous exercises at
least two hours before you head to bed.

(4) Chronic sleeplessness adds to weight by making you eat more and choose foods that are
high in fat and sugar. Exercise also helps ward off junk food cravings triggered by a short
night’s sleep and counters the effect of chronic lack of sleep, reported a recent study.

(5) Like Goldilocks, you will have a tough time sleeping on mattresses that are too soft or too
hard, so get one that’s just right for you. Microscopic dust mites and other allergy triggers in
bed linen, pillows, blankets, duvets and mattresses can make you sniffle and sneeze, which
again affects sleep quality. Keep your bedroom free of dust, wash bed liner in warn water and
air pillows and mattresses regularly.

(6) Avoid sleeping on your stomach as it affects the neck. Mild low back pain may not wake
you but can disrupt deep, restorative sleep. Placing a pillow under the legs lowers stress on
the lower back. Those who sleep on their backs can tuck a pillow under their knees to help
ease the pain at night. Adopt a sleep pattern. Go to sleep and wake up at about the same time
every day, including the weekends, to set your brain and body on a regular sleep-wake cycle.
Start winding down about an hour before bedtime by reading a book, listening to music or
taking a shower. It’s best not to use the phone, laptop or watch television in the bedroom.
Most people sleep best at room temperature between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. Big dinners
and rich meals late in the evening stress the digestive system and make it hard to get high-
quality sleep. Try to have your meal as early as possible, at least three hours before you go to
bed. Dinner should be your lightest meal, so opt for vegetables, complex carbohydrates like
lentils or dairy foods instead of oily curries and meats. Do not snack in bed. People who drink
a lot at bedtime get up frequently through the night and have less restful sleep.

(7) Nicotine is a stimulant, like caffeine and keeps you from falling asleep. Winding down
and other bedtime rituals help people fall asleep faster and get better quality sleep. However,

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if your insomnia persists for more than four weeks, it may be a symptom of an underlying
physical or mental disorder such as diabetes, acid reflux, asthma or arthritis, so it’s best to get
medical opinion to rule out the cause.

2.1 Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) What is insomnia? What are the symptoms of insomnia?
(b) What are the ill effects of sleeplessness on our health?
(c) What diseases can be caused due to regular lack of sleep?
(d) Name four measures we can undertake to induce proper sleep every day?

2.2 Find meanings of the words given below with the help of the options that follow:
(a) What is the meaning of the word regulated? (para 3)
(i) governed
(ii) countered
(iii) rehabilitated
(iv) reigned
(b) What is the meaning of the word counter? (Para 4)
(i) oppose
(ii) propose
(iii) regulate
(iv) increase
(c) What is meant by the word ‘ward off’? (Para 4)
(i) avoid
(ii) meet
(iii) receive
(iv) enjoy
(d) What is meant by ‘eluding’? (Para 4)
(i) enlighten
(ii) entice
(iii) dodge
(iv) attract

3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Nanotechnology is the science of the miniature, the science that can create a mobile for an
ant! Nano-materials are a thousand times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. “Nano’ in
Greek means ‘dwarf’ and when any material is reduced to a nano dimension, there are drastic
changes in its properties. It is for this reason that this cutting edge technology can be used in
aerospace, engineering, bioscience, medical science, environment, electronics, security and a
variety of other fields.
2. In the area of health, nano technology can create sensors in the form of biochips, to be
inserted in the human body, targeting a drug to a single malignant cell. It can also make tiny
medical devices and sensors with fantastic precision to reach areas where the surgeon’s hands
cannot, and repair damaged and diseased tissues.
3. Nano technology can help scientists work on atoms at a finer level, helping us get more
advanced products. Nanobots may be made from carbon nanotubes to carry out functions like
human beings. Nanotechnology has the power to convert sunlight into power, providing

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unlimited energy sources. It is also used by cyber security agencies to detect narcotics and
fingerprints of suspects in crimes.
4. In environmental science, nanotechnology is providing ways to filter and detect bacteria and
toxins out of water supplies and clear up heavy metal and organic chemical pollution. In
military technology, it is developing new, light-weight equipment and weapons, bullet-proof
battle-suits that can morph to provide camouflage.

5. Despite the fact that it has relatively few commercial applications, nanotechnology has
generated criticism from environmental groups and others who fear as-yet-unknown risks to
human health and the environment. Critics have called for a moratorium on research, arguing
that we know little about the toxicological effects of nano particles and that there are no
regulations to control them.

On the basis of your reading of the passage given above, answer the following questions.
a. Nanotechnology is the ‘science of tomorrow’ because it
i. can revolutionise the manufacturing industry
ii. can help in reducing the cost of many products
iii. has multi-dimensional applications
iv. has the potential to create smaller objects

b. The author has used the expression ‘mobile for an ant’ (line 1) to suggest that nanotechnology
can make
i. the technology available to help us learn how ants communicate
ii. special communicating antennae for studies on insects
iii. sophisticated gadgets of extremely small size
iv. mobile phones as small as an ant

c. What is the correct order of the information given below?

I. For instance, miniature biochips can target a drug to a single malignant cell
II. Materials are reduced to their nano dimension
III. This leads to a drastic change in the property of that material.
IV. It can play an important role in the field of health
i) IV,I,III,II ii) II,III,IV,I iii) I,IV,III,II iv) II,IV,III,I

d. How can nanotechnology make a breakthrough in the field of health and medicine?
i. By creating accurate devices for microsurgery and drug administration.
ii. By activating body functions with microchips
iii. By manufacturing drugs for curing cancers
iv. By repairing damaged tissues in the body.

e. Critics have called for a temporary ban on nanotechnology because

i. environmental groups have criticised it
ii. It has very few commercial applications
iii. there are more risks than benefits
iv. researchers are clueless about the poisonous effects of these particles

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 f. The word ‘morph’ (paragraph 4) can be replaced by
i. function
ii. transform
iii. appear
iv. hide

g. Nanotechnology’s ability to work atoms at a finer level, means more sophisticated products.
True/False
h. ____________________ can be used to make nanobots that have the ability to perform
functions like human beings.

4. Writing: (Portfolio- Writing Task 4, 5 and 6)

a) You are Ashutosh/Ashita Sarin, residing at 28, H-Block, Ashok Vihar, Delhi. You
love Delhi and its beautiful architecture. Recently you visited the Red Fort and were
disturbed to see the poor maintenance of the monument by the authorities concerned
and by the careless and negligent attitude of the visitors who spoil the buildings by
writing names, messages on the walls, domes etc. Write a letter to the Editor, The
Statesman, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Delhi, expressing your concern over this and the
need to awaken a sense of pride for such monuments and our heritage among the people.

b) You are Akbar/Amina. Summer months are a difficult time for the people, especially
people in the big cities because of the acute shortage of water. Write a letter to the
Municipal Commissioner to make arrangements to store rain water and utilise it to solve
the water crisis. Also provide suggestions about ways one can create awareness among
the people to save water.

c) Write a letter to the Police Commissioner (Traffic) about the inadequate parking
facilities in the Commercial Street area of Bangalore which is causing a lot of
inconvenience to the people. You may offer your suggestions about how you can
resolve this issue. You are Rakesh/Radhika, No12, Park Avenue, Jayanagar, Bangalore.
(Word limit 150 words)

Grammar
5. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Write the correct
word against the correct blank.
Correct Incorrect
(a) Spending time in your kids _______ _______
(b) bring immediate as well as long _______ _______
(c) term gain for the parents. _______ _______
(d) According to a research, children of _______ _______
(e) involved parent were more efficient. _______ _______

6. (a) Tests and examination are not confined to _______ _______

(b) school alone. They are widely use at various _______ _______
(c) government and non-governmental level. _______ _______
(d) Business and Industry to use tests. _______ _______
(e) Tests are used of the selection of candidates _______ _______

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(f) and in any cases they are one of the criteria _______ _______
of selection

7. (a) As one in the most populous countries ________ _______

(b) of the world, India is home ________ _______
(c) of a very large number of osteoporosis ________ _______
(d) patients. Although in advanced diagnosis ________ _______
(e) with treatment options, life expectancy of ________ _______
(f) people will increase beyond 80s, the bad ________ _______
(g) news is that many of whom will live with a constant ________ _______
(h) fear of ‘Fragility Fractures’ caused due with ________ ________
osteoporosis.

8. In the following passages one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word
in any four sentences of the given paragraph, along with the word that comes before and the
word that comes after it in the space provided. One has been done as an example.
Before Word After
If goes well, intelligent, futuristic if all goes
(a) kitchens soon help in solving all our _____ ____ _____
(b) problems. The kitchen the future will _____ ____ _____
(c) advise us planning the menu for the day. _____ ____ _____
(d) Those conscious of their weight will told _____ ____ _____
(e) the right diet and what good for health. _____ _____ _____

9. (a) Reading the works author Ismat Chugati ______ _____ _____
(b) is like taking guided tour ______ _____ _____
(c) of the courtyard and discovering word ______ _____ _____
(d) and worlds urban middle class ______ _____ _____
(e) Indian women the early 20th century. ______ _____ _____
(f) On birth centenary which begins _______ _____ _____
(g) this year writers remember her _______ _____ _____
(h) as authentic voice of Indian literature. ______ ______ _____

10. (a) For first time in human history, there ______ _____ ______
(b) is growing world-wide consciousness ______ _____ ______
(c) that the earth itself is living organism, an ______ _____ ______
(d) enormous being which we are a part. ______ _____ ______
(e) Its metabolic needs should respected and ______ _____ ______
preserved.

11. Do as directed: Clauses -Synthesis of sentences (Combine the sentences into one
sentence)
1. The theft was committed last night. The man has been caught.
The man ____________________________________________________________.
2. He has many plans for earning money quickly. All of them have failed.
All_________________________________________________________________.

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3. You deceived him. That was his complaint.
His __________________________________________________________________.
4. He will waste his time. That is certain.
It __________________________________________________________________.
5. He said something. I did not hear it.
I____________________________________________________________________.
6. What have you done? Tell me.
Tell__________________________________________________________________.
7. She keeps her ornaments in a safe. This is the safe
This __________________________________________________________________.
8. I waited for my friend. I waited till he arrived. (Use until)
I ______________________________________________________________________.
9. You are strong. I am equally strong. (as…as)
I ______________________________________________________________________.
10. Don’t eat too much. You will be ill. (Use if)
_______________________________________________________________________.
11. I wound my watch this morning. It has stopped. (Use although)
_______________________________________________________________________.
12. He would win the first prize. That was his hope. His hope was not fulfilled.
His ____________________________________________________________________.
13. This is the garden. The finest roses grow here. (use where)
This ___________________________________________________________________.
14. The boy sits near me. His father is a philosopher. (use whose)
The_____________________________________________________________________.
15. I cannot attend the meeting. I have another engagement. (use because/as)
_________________________________________________________________________.
16. The bell rang. They all came up at once. (use when)
__________________________________________________________________________.
17. He worked hard. His intention was to become rich. (so …that)

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18. He was very tired. He could scarcely stand. (so…that)
__________________________________________________________________________.
19. He ran away. He did not want to be sent to prison. (because/ as)
___________________________________________________________________________
20. He came to my house. I was out. (when)
__________________________________________________________________________.
21. It is very simple. Even a child can understand it. (so…that)
It________________________________________________________________________.
22. He came late. He finished first. (Though/Although/Even though)
_________________________________________________________________________.
23. It was a very cold night. We had to use quilts. (such…that)
It _______________________________________________________________________.
24. Some people live in glass houses. Such people must not throw stones at others.
People ___________________________________________________________________.
25. She may fail. This is her great fear.
Her_____________________________________________________________________.
12. Literature: Answer the following questions in about 150 words.
a) Trust and compassion can reform a person. Justify this lesson in the light of the lesson
‘The Thief’s Story.’
b) Which of the two thieves lacked ‘honour’ in the story ‘A Question of Trust’? Elaborate
c) Appearances can be deceptive’. Do you think Fowler learnt this the hard way? Explain.
d) Sometimes our love and affection can prove to be harmful for our loved ones. Explain this
statement in reference to the chapter ‘A Triumph of Surgery.’
e) Describe the methods used by the young seagull’s family to help the young seagull
overcome his fear and fly.

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