CHENNAI SAHODAYA SCHOOLS COMPLEX

(General Instructions)
❖ Please check that this question paper contains 16 printed pages.
❖ Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions.
❖ Please write down the serial number of the question before attempting it.
❖ Reading time of 15 minutes is given to read the question paper alone. No writing during
this time.

COMMON EXAMINATION
Class-10
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)
SET 1
Roll No.: Maximum Marks: 80
Date: Time allowed: 3 hours

SECTION A: READING SKILLS (20 marks)

1. Read the following text. 10 marks

(1) Ah, birthdays! Those special days that roll around once a year, reminding us of another trip
around the sun. Whether you’re turning 8 or 80, there’s something undeniably magical
about celebrating your special day. It’s a time for cake, candles, gifts, and most importantly,
gathering with loved ones to create unforgettable memories. But let’s be honest, while
birthdays are a blast, planning a birthday party can feel like trying to herd cats while
juggling flaming torches. But fear not, dear reader, because that’s where we come in!
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to organize the best birthday BASH!

(2) Planning a birthday party is like conducting an orchestra. There are many different elements
– the venue, the guests, the food, the entertainment – and they all need to work together in
harmony to create a memorable event. Without proper planning, you might end up with a
violinist playing Beethoven while the drummer is in the middle of a rock solo. And while
that might be interesting, it’s probably not the kind of memorable event you’re aiming for.
So, whether you’re a seasoned party planner or a first-timer, remember this: Failing to plan
is planning to fail.

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(3) There are countless types of birthday parties like surprise parties, themed parties, milestone
birthday parties, adventure parties, relaxation parties, destination parties, etc, that you can
plan for but the beauty of it is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Remember, the best
type of party is one that the birthday person will love. So whether you’re planning a surprise
skydiving adventure or a relaxed movie night, as long as it suits the personality and
preferences of the birthday honoree, you’re on the right track.

(4) You have to be particular when choosing what time your party should start. It sets the tone
for the entire event and can significantly affect the atmosphere and logistics of the party.
For example, a children’s party might be best held in the afternoon when the little ones are
awake and energetic, while an adult’s party could start in the evening when work
commitments are over.

(5) Apart from this, you need to choose a theme, decide on the budget, location, guest list,
choosing food and cake, deciding on the entertainment and sending out invitations.

(6) Remember, what works best for one party might not work for another! Whether you’re
planning a small gathering at home or a grand celebration at a rented venue, don’t forget to
add your personal touch and a dash of creativity to make the event truly unique.

Source: https://big-time.ca/blog/plan-a-birthday-party

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage.

i Choose the best option that describes the blogger’s tone in para 1.
A. Cautionary
B. Scary 1
C. Reassuring
D. Nostalgic

ii Why does the blogger say, ‘Planning a birthday party is like conducting an
2
orchestra’? Write your answer in about 40 words.

iii Complete the sentence appropriately.

The blogger suggests that before deciding on the type of the birthday party we
1
should know the ………………. and ……………... of the birthday honoree
in order to successfully plan a birthday party.

iv From the samples given below, choose the party which will be the most
successful one.
1
A. Keaty plans her 8 year old daughter’s birthday party in a forest resort
with a scary and nautical theme.

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 B. Joan plans for his timid friend, Fred, a surprise birthday party in a
beach resort with adventurous sea sports.
C. Hana, the HR of a company, plans a relaxation party with a spa session
and a candle light dinner, for her team after their hectic schedule.
D. Alice, who is a homemaker, decides to call her friends, who are
working in reputed firms, down to her place for lunch, on a weekday.

v The blogger describes with an idiom, ‘Planning a birthday party can feel like
trying to herd cats while juggling flaming torches’. Why does he/she say so? 2
Explain your answer in about 40 words.

vi Pick out the sentence from the passage that conveys a similar meaning as ‘Not
1
everyone fits the mould.’

vii Based on the reading of the passage, how can one make a birthday party
1
unique?

viii Find the word in para 2 which means ‘having a lot of experience of something’ 1

2 Read the following text. 10 marks

(1) A recent survey reported that more North Americans are discovering the benefits of
camping and spending time outdoors. According to the 2020 North American Camping
Report, there are more than 94.5 million camper households throughout North America.
In the United States, 48.2 million households reported that they camped at least once
during 2020, including 10.1 million households who said they went camping for the first
time (Cairn, 2020). With the increased number of campers, one might wonder, what’s the
draw to the outdoors?

(2) Camping provides a host of benefits which include relationship building, opportunities to
learn and develop new skills, unplugging and getting away from screens, connecting with
nature, stress reduction, and increasing physical fitness. Research suggests that physical
activity in the outdoors and feelings of connection to nature enhance psychological health
and well-being. Activities such as walking in forests and participating in outdoor activities
have been shown to enhance mood and focus, and increase attention and cognitive
capacity. Additionally, significant improvements in self-esteem occur with physical
activity in the great outdoors. The physical demands of backpacking, setting up tents and
making camp, hiking, fishing, and exploring nature, certainly count as exercise which
contributes to it. Outdoor physical activity has been linked to a decrease in depressive
thoughts and sleeping under the stars can help promote our natural circadian rhythm,
which is a foundation for high quality sleep and health (National Park Service, 2019)

(3) The guide chart given below has the details that campers need to know, to choose the best
location, for their weekend escape.

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(4) With the guide chart and all of these health benefits, why wouldn’t you want to go
camping? Perhaps you are new to camping and feel a bit intimidated. Start small and
work your way up.

(Source:Christina Pay, Extension Assistant Professor and

Utah State University, Health and Wellness)

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage.

i According to the 2020 North American Camping Report, more than one-fourth
of the campers are novice, in the United States.
2
Justify the statement with appropriate evidence from the passage in about 40
words.

ii Complete the following:

1
The outdoor activities which enhance self-esteem are …………..

iii Select the option that will facilitate a camper to choose his location correctly
according to his preferences of amenities based on the type of camping which
he/she would specifically like to enjoy during the camping, using the guide
chart.

1. Sign in the 1. Sign in the 1. Sign in the site 1. Sign in the site
site to browse site to browse to browse for to browse for
for camping for camping camping camping

2. Booking the 2. Sending 2. Searching camp 2. Reading the

site and request to all site and choosing rules of the site
making the preferable the preferred and finding it not
payments sites location very comfortable

3. Checking for 3. Making 3. Booking after 3. Booking the 1

the amenities payment before satisfied with the site after sending
and camp type reading the rules of the site the request
rules message

4. Reading 4. Checking for 4. Making 4. Making

through the the amenities payment payment
rules and and camp type
regulations and
accepting
though not
very
comfortable

A B C D

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iv If you are an enthusiastic camper and when you receive a request decline message
from the camp owner, what would you do next?
1
(Note: The guide chart given above doesn’t suggest any, so pitch in your idea
and write a relevant answer)

v Complete the analogy appropriately:

1
From the above passage, we can conclude that a camping site is like a school
which imparts ……………….

vi Circadian rhythm is the 24-hour internal clock in our brain that regulates cycles
of alertness and sleepiness by responding to light changes in our environment.
2
What is the influence of outdoor camping on a person's circadian rhythm?
Explain your answer in about 40 words.

vii Choose the sentence which means the same as the word ‘draw’, as employed in
the statement - ‘With the increased number of campers, one might wonder,
what’s the draw to the outdoors?’
A. Shall I draw the picture on the wall? 1
B. To draw someone into your group you need to be accommodative.
C. The match ended in a draw due to rain.
D. I won the camping ticket in the lucky draw.

viii Fill in the blank with the appropriate option from those given in the brackets
based on your understanding of paragraphs 1 & 2.
1
The number of campers increasing every year is the ……… (cause/result) of
increasing stress levels in the present world and the people's awareness towards
staying fit.

SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR (20 marks)

GRAMMAR 10 marks

3 Complete ANY TEN out of twelve, of the following tasks, as directed. 10x1=10

i Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for
the given portion of the National Cyber Crime Reporting portal:
How to report cyber fraud
One can reach out to the National Cyber Crime Reporting portal
(Helpline Number -1930) to register any complaint about cyber crime, 1
……………. (include) cyber fraud. You can also contact the nearest
police station to file your complaint.

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ii
Read the description given below, by an art centre. Identify the error and
supply the correction in the sentence.

Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

iii During a bus journey, the passenger asks the conductor, “Will this bus
cover the route to Dal lake? 1
Report the passenger’s question.

iv Read the conversation between Ashrith and Harshini during their trip in
Kathmandu.

Ashrith: Are we going to visit the Pashupatinath temple? 1

Harshini: Yes, of course, we’ll visit it tomorrow.

Ashrith asked Harshini whether they were going to visit the Pashupatinath
temple. Harshini affirmatively replied ………… .

v Fill the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the beginning
lines of the letter of recommendation written by Mr Kunal, English teacher
in DGB School to the admission committee of University of Texas.
1
It is my great pleasure in recommending Sonal Mishra to your
college. I taught her English when she was in Std XII. I have
noticed ………. (a/an/ some/few) inherent love for the language in
her, while I was teaching her.

vi Find the error in the statement given below which is one among the rules
to be followed in a swimming competition.
1
Some part of the swimmer ……….(may/must/can/will) touch the
wall upon completion of each length and at the finish. If not, they'll
be disqualified.

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vii Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the
line given below on how to start blogging.

Writing about a topic you enjoy, will always be more fulfilling than
forcing yourself to write about something you’re uninterested in. The
topic must be neither interesting or thought provoking.

Option No. Error Correction 1

A Writing Write

B enjoy enjoying

C than but

D neither either

viii Complete the given line, by filling the blank with the correct option.
Most dolphins are marine and ………………… in the ocean or
brackish waters along coastlines.
A. lives 1
B. live
C. is living
D. are living

ix Suppandi was once interviewed for a job as a prison guard. Report the
dialogue between Suppandi and Jail Superintendent by completing the
sentence:
Inspector: Can you manage all these tough chaps?
Suppandi: No problem sir, if they don’t behave properly, I’ll immediately 1
send them all out!
The inspector asked Suppandi …………………. tough chaps.
Suppandi replied confidently that if they didn’t behave properly,
he’d immediately send them all out.

x Fill the blank by choosing the correct option to complete Joana’s letter to
his friend:
Dear Bob,
Congratulations for your convocation! Either my father or my
brothers …………….. to attend the convocation. 1

A. is planning
B. planning
C. are planning
D. planned

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 xi Complete the line of the poem titled ‘Books’, by filling the blank with the
correct option.
I opened a book and made some friends,
And shared their tears and laughter.
I …………. their road with bumps and bends
Till happily ever after.
A. follow
B. will follow
C. would follow
D. followed

xii Identify the error and supply correction in the notice pegged on the school
notice board, inviting participants for an essay writing contest. A part of
the notice is given below:

Unleash your writing potential !

Express yourself through words !
Do not wander, stick to the given theme !
Submit only one essay !
Plagiarism can be avoided !

Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

WRITING 10 marks

Note : All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment
purposes.

4.A
Decline in Moral Values in Modern Times
Moral values are fading these days. The youngsters are busy preparing for
their careers and enjoying their life. They have little concern for social
5
problems or family affairs. The culture is degrading day by day due to the
effect of the western influence and movies which often mislead the
younger generation.

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 You are Sashi, residing at 30, Park Street, Chennai. You read the above
article which came up in a national daily and you too feel the same. Write a
letter to the Editor, expressing your concern and suggesting practical
solutions for strengthening the value system in the society through value
based education, in about 100-120 words.

OR

4.B You are Rakhul, the Librarian of DDA Senior Secondary School, MG Road,
Shillong. Write a letter to the Sales Manager of Gandhi Book Mart, Shillong
to place an order for some books for the school library, in about 100-120 5
words. Mention at least 4 titles of the books that are most sorted after by
students.

5.A The bar graph and the table given below gives information about the number of
learners getting enrolled in online courses and the top 10 countries with the most
number of learners, to help them navigate today’s ever changing global market,
respectively. Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words, analysing the
information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons
wherever relevant.

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 COUNTRIES NUMBER OF LEARNERS

United States 17.3 million

India 13.6 million

Mexico 4.8 million

Brazil 3.7 million

China 3.3 million

Canada 2.4 million

Russia 2.4 million

United Kingdom 2.4 million

Colombia 2.2 million

Egypt 1.6 million

Courtesy- 2021-Coursera-Impact-Report.pdf

OR

5.B ‘Happy Eaters’ is a famous restaurant in the city and they are planning to
expand their business to a larger scale. Being a food critic, you have made a
SWOT analysis which is given below:

Strengths Opportunities

● World-class chiefs ● Solid current business

● Happy customers location
● Years of experience in the ● Ability to open more
field locations
● International cuisines are 5
more trendy on social media

Weaknesses Threats

● No door delivery ● New competitors are

● Pricier than the competitors
● Haven’t added new cuisines
in the menu for years.
moving in
● Door deliveries are
preferred by people of late
● Difficulty in retain the
labours/chefs

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 Using the analysis, write a paragraph analysing the data and giving
suggestions to help the CEO of the restaurant to decide on the expansion of the
restaurant, in not more than 120 words.
You may begin like this:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I recently came to know that you are planning to expand the business and
being a food critic and a frequent visitor of your restaurant, I would just like to
express my opinion and suggestions to you.

SECTION C: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY

READING TEXT (40 marks)

6 Read the extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE out of the 5 marks
two extracts given.

A During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide.
He used to come at least twice a day. Once, when he set out in the morning on his
selling round, and then again, when he returned after emptying his huge basket. The
jingling thud of his bamboo woke us up from sleep and we ran to meet and greet him.
Why was it so? Was it for the love of the loaf? Not at all. The loaves were bought by
some Paskine or Bastine, the maid-servant of the house! What we longed for were those
bread-bangles which we chose carefully. Sometimes it was sweet bread of special
make.
- Glimpses of India

i How did the bakers in Goa announce their arrival? 1

ii Which of the following best describes the speaker’s attitude, towards the 1
buyer, when he says, “The loaves were bought by some Paskine or Bastine,
the maid-servant of the house!” (1 mark)
A. Hopeful
B. Concerned
C. Disinterested
D. Respectful

iii Rather than the regular breads made by the bakers, the bakers themselves 2
were more popular and their relationship was seen quite intimate among
children in Goa. - Elaborate this statement in about 40 words, with
reference to the extract.

iv Based on the above extract, what type of a text is ‘A Baker from Goa’ 1
A. A historical account written based on personal knowledge
B. A research article which analysis a concept
C. A diary entry of one’s personal life events
D. A factual essay on the past events

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 OR

B Lomov:But you can see from the document, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen
Meadows, it's true, were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows
that they are mine. There's nothing to argue about. You see, my aunt's
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 the
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 that Oxen Meadows
were ours. I don’t see what there is to argue about. It’s simply silly!
- The Proposal

i The subject of dispute was regarding

A. free use of meadows
B. making of bricks 1
C. Peasants using Meadows
D. ownership of Meadows

ii Lomov’s aunt’s grandmother gave Oxen Meadows to Natalya’s father‘s

grandfather in lieu of ………… 1

iii According to Natalya, why did Oxon Meadows belong to them? 2

iv The word ‘perpetuity’ means ……….

A. a bond or other security with no fixed maturity date.
B. something pretty to look at. 1
C. using something for a specific period of time and returning it back.
D. holding something without sharing.

7 Read the extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE out of the 5 marks
two extracts given.

A (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!)
- Amanda!

i Will Amanda let down her hair if she becomes Rapunzel? Justify your
2
answer in 40 words.

ii Complete the analogy with a word from the extract.

1
tranquil : peaceful :: ___________ : occasional

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iii What is the significance of the stanza as it is used within the parenthesis? 1

vi Identify the poetic device employed by the poet in the usage of Rapunzel 1

OR

B Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,

And spikes on top of him and scales underneath,
Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose,
And realio, trulio daggers on his toes.

Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,

And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon

i ‘The tale of custard the Dragon’ is a fantasy Ballad.

Which of these options supports the above statement

A. that Belinda has a pet dragon 1

B. that Belinda is brave
C. that Belinda has named her kitten as Ink
D. that Mustard, her dog was brave

ii Why has the poet misspelt the words ‘realio, trulio’? 1

iii ‘And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,’

What does the underlined phrase convey about Ink and Blink
A. They were fast. 1
B. They were large.
C. They were loyal.
D. They were ferocious.

vi Describe in about 40 words, how the poet has contrasted the physical
2
appearance of Custard with his character trait.

Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 4x3=12
8
words.

What ideals does Nelson Mandela set for the future of South Africa in his
i 3
inauguration speech?

Mijbil was neither hostile nor friendly’. Describe the action of Mijbil
ii during the first twenty four hours with the narrator to justify the above 3
statement and also describe how he changed during the second night?

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iii Highlight the central theme of the poem 'For Anne Gregory'. 3

The onlooker in the poem says, "I would not intrude on him". Do you think
iv what the onlooker does is correct? Justify your answer with a suitable 3
explanation. (The Ball Poem)

The sermon reflects the Buddha’s wisdom about one inscrutable kind of
suffering.
He says, “Not from weeping nor from grieving will anyone obtain
peace of mind; on the contrary, his pain will be greater and his body
will suffer. He will make himself sick and pale, yet the dead are not
v 3
saved by his lamentation. He who seeks peace should draw out the
arrow of lamentation, and complaint, and grief.”
Do you think the Buddha’s ideas and way of teaching continue to hold
meaning for us which is over 2500 years old? Have we found better ways
to deal with grief? Justify your answer.

Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50

9 2x3=6
words.

i Why did Hari Singh think that Anil's job was queer? 3

ii Mention any two of Ebright’s contributions to the world of science. 3

iii Mention any two striking qualities of Noodle. 3

Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-

10 1x6=6
120 words.

Freedom lies in being bold - Robert Frost.

(A) Explain how Valli, in the story ‘Madam Rides the Bus’, experiences 6
freedom while the seagull couldn’t experience it initially but later
with the help of his mother who pulled him out of his shell.

OR

Prepare a speech to be presented in your class on the topic 'Nurturing

(B) the Nature' taking points from the poems 'Dust of Snow', 'A Tiger in 6
the Zoo' and 'The Trees'.

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 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120
11 1x6=6
words.

“Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”

- Martin Luther King Jr.
(A) 6
Explain how Sulekha imbibed both intelligence and character while
Griffin could attain only the former and not the latter.

OR

Street smartness is characterised by a keen sense of observation,

understanding of people's intentions, and the ability to assess risks and
make quick decisions.
(B) 6
Justify, through your answer, that Ausable in the story ‘The Midnight
Visitor’ possesses the quality of street smartness.

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END OF PAPER

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