SAMPLE PAPER
2
SOLVED
ENGLISH
LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
General Instructions: Same instructions as given in the Sample Paper 1.
SECTION - A
READING SKILLS
1. Read the passage given below. 10 m
(1) Have you ever failed at something so
miserably that the thought of attempting to
do it again was the last thing you wanted to
do?
(2) If your answer is yes, then you are ‘‘not a
robot.” Unlike robots, we human beings
have feelings, emotions, and dreams. We
are all meant to grow and stretch despite
our circumstances and our limitations.
Flourishing and trying to make our dreams
come true when you fail despite all of your
hard work? Do you stay down and accept
the defeat or do you get up again and
again until you are satisfied? If you have a
tendency to persevere and keep going then
you have what experts call, grit.
(3) Falling down or failing is one of the most
agonising, embarrassing, and scariest
human experiences. But, it is also one of
the most educational, empowering, and
essential parts of living a successful and
fulfilling life. Did you know that perseverance
is one of the seven qualities that have been
described as the keys to personal success
and betterment in society? The other six are:
curiosity, gratitude, optimism, self-control
social intelligence, and zest. Thomas Edison
is a model for grit for trying 1000 plus times
Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx
Maximum Marks: 80
20 Marks
to invent the light bulb. If you are reading this
with the lights on in your room, you know
well he succeeded. When asked why he kept
going despite his hundreds of failures, he
merely stated that what he had were not
failures. They were hundreds of ways not to
create a light bulb. This statement not only
revealed his grit but also his optimism for
looking at the bright side.
(4) Grit can be learned to help become more
successful. One of the techniques that helps
is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice that
helps the individual stay in the moment by
bringing awareness of his/her experience
without judgment. With this practice of
mindfulness, individuals have the ability to
stop the self-sabotaging downward spiral of
hopelessness, despair and frustration.
(5) What did you do to overcome the negative
and self sabotaging feelings of failure?
Reflect on what you did, and try to use those
same powerful resources to help you today.
Based on your understanding of the passage,
answer the given questions:
(A) Which of the following statements best
describes the author's attitude towards
grit?
(a) Believes grit can be learned.
(b) Feels failure as the end of everything.
Sample Paper 2 1
 (c) Recognizes grit as a quality needed for
self sabotaging.
(d) Finds grit to be frustrating.
(B) What is the tone of the writer in the given
lines from paragraph (3)? Rationalise your
response in about 40 words.
If you are reading this with the lights on in
your room, you know well he succeeded. 2
(C) The author's use of example of Thomas
Edison in paragraph (3) greatly affects the
reader because ............................ .
(D) The passage includes some words that are
opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e)
below, identify two sets of antonyms:
(a) stay down - get up
(b) failed - succeeded
(c) successful - failure
(d) despair - optimism
(e) feelings - emotions 1
(E) Complete the given analogy correctly
with a word from the passage.
Despair : Disdain :: …………. : Positivity
(F) Based on the reading of the passage,
examine, in about 40 words, how grit can
be learned by mindfulness.
(1) Himachal Pradesh. Kerala and Tamil Nadu
have emceed as the front runners in the
race to achieve key sustainable development
goals (SDG) like removal of poverty
inequality, while Assam, Bihar and Uttar
Pradesh are the laggards in ranking of states.
2 English Language and Literature Class X
Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx
(G) Choose the option that makes the correct
use of ‘model’, as used in the passage to
1 fill in the blank space.
(a) They allowed me to ............... it on stage.
(b) Jane Austen was regarded as the
............... of grit in fiction.
(c) The first woman up was not certainly a
...............
(d) The business ............... must work
because of its novelty. 1
(H) Which of the following quotes best suits
1 the passage?
(a) The only guarantee for failure is to stop
trying.
(b) If you look for perfection, you'll never
be content.
(c) Work hard in silence, let your success
be your noise.
(d) hard work, have fun, make history. 1
2. Read the passage given below. 10 m
India’s SDG Scores
India has crossed the halfway mark in achieving
1 the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs)
adopted in 2015 and to be achieved by 2030,
according to the SDG India Index released on
Friday by think tank NITI Aayog and the UN.
2 Here are the 10 best-performing states and
Union territories according to the index.
India 57
69
69
68
66
65
64
64
64
64
64
(2) According to the SDG India Index, the nation
as a whole has a score of 57, showing the
country has reached a little beyond the
halfway mark in meeting the sustainable
development goals adopted by India and
192 other nations in 2015. The index covers
 13 of the 17 sustainable development goals, (C) Complete the given analogy correctly
including healthcare, gender equality, clean with a word from the passage.
energy, infrastructure, education, peace and emcee : master :: …………. : laggard 1
building strong, accountable institutions.
(D) Infer two reasons for Chandigarh to
(3) Goals, including climate action and achieve a good score in index. 2
sustainable use of marine resources, were
left out because of lack of data at the (E) What do 100 points mean as per SDG
Index?
state level. Kerala’s overall top rank (69)
is attributed to its strong performance in (a) It means the index has covered 13
providing good health, reducing hunger, goals including healthcare, gender
equality clean energy, infrastructure,
achieving gender equality and providing
education, peace and building strong,
quality education. The rank shows the accountable institutions.
distance each state has to cover to reach
(b) It means the point at which it fully
100 - the point at which it fully meets the meets the sustainable development
sustainable development goal. goal.
(4) Himachal Pradesh ranks high with a similar (c) It means the removal of poverty and
overall score in providing clean water equality.
and sanitation, reducing inequalities and (d) It means India has reached a little
preserving the mountain ecosystem. Tamil beyond the halfway mark to meet
Nadu has a score of 66. Among Union sustainable development goals. 1
territories, Chandigarh takes the lead with (F) Select the option that correctly displays
a score of 68 on account of its track record what ‘gender equality’ signifies. (Reference
in providing clean water and sanitation. - Paragraph 2)
Performance in providing quality education
has also helped Chandigarh achieve high
score.
(5) Tamil Nadu topped the states in poverty
reduction, while Kerala topped in providing
quality education, closely followed by
Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh. (i) (ii)
(6) Kerala and Tamil Nadu also topped in
facilitating good health and well-being.
Gender equality, however, is an area all
states and the nation as a whole need
to improve upon. The toppers in gender
equality, Sikkim and Union territories
(iii) (iv)
.Andaman and Nicobar Islands and
Chandigarh, have crossed the hallway mark
in reaching the goals.
(7) The scores represent the current status of
achievement in meeting the goals.
(v)
Based on your understanding of the passage, (a) (iv) and (v) (b) (ii)
answer the given questions:
(c) (iii) (d) (i) 1
(A) The other remaining goals are left out
from SDG India Index because: (G) Select the option that is true for the two
statements given below.
(a) of lack of data at the state level
(1) Tamil Nadu topped the states in
(b) they have already crossed halfway poverty reduction.
mark in reaching the goals. (2) Kerala topped the states in providing
(c) countries have not taken care of the amenities.
remaining goals (a) (1) is the result of (2).
(d) those goals have not yet been officially (b) (1) is true and (2) is false.
accepted by the countries 1 (c) (1) is independent of (2).
(B) Justify the following, in about 40 words. (d) (1) contradicts (2). 1
While the index results suggest the given (H) Based on the results, which SDG needs to
states and UT as front runners, further be improved even in top ranking states and
data at the state level is necessary to state one reason how it can be improved.
know the overall top rank. 2 1

Sample Paper 2 3

Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx

 SECTION - B
GRAMMAR 10 Marks
3. Attempt ANY TEN of the given questions. Paper was first made by the Egyptians for
the plant named ‘papyrus’
(A) Choose the correct option to fill in the
blank to complete the note about the Use the given format for your response.
Wangala Festival of Meghalaya.
Error Correction
The Wangala is an important festival
for the Garo in Meghalaya, Assam
and Nagaland. It is a post-harvest
festival...............(celebrate) to mark the end 1
of the agricultural year. It is popularly (G) Select the option that identifies the error
known as ‘The Hundred Drums’ festival. 1 and supplies the correction for the closing
line, from an analytical report.
(B) Read the given sentence from a
description. Identify the error and supply Hence, considering the well-being to
the correction in the sentence. the students, the tour proposal for the
educational trip;, should be rejected.
The students are fighting for the flowers
or fruits that they plucked. Use the given Option No. Error Correction
format for your response.
(a) considering consider
Error Correction
(b) to of
(c) for of
1
(d) rejected reject
(C) Raj complained to his maid about her
behaviour. Report Raj's question.
1
Why are you so lazy today? 1 (H) Complete the given narrative, by filling
the blank with correct option. Conversely,
(D) Read the dialogue between Rohit and his some pieces resonate with the reader's
friend, Shruti, regarding their surprised soul, ......................... feelings of warmth,
meet. happiness and connection to the world.
Rohit : I am surprised to see you in Delhi.
(a) stir (b) will stir
When did you come?
Shruti : I came here yesterday. I have (c) stirring (d) stirred 1
been offered a job here. (I) Report the dialogue between two friends,
Select the correct option to complete the by completing the sentence:
reporting of the above dialogue. Alia : Why did you choose to
Rohit told Shruti that ................. . Shruti participate in this internship
replied that she had come there the programme.
previous day and added that been offered Shivani : Ah! I am convinced this
a job. programme has the potential to
(a) he was surprised to see her in Delhi enhance my abilities.
and asked when she had come. Alia asked Shivani why she had chosen to
(b) I am surprised to see you in Delhi and participate in that internship programme.
when did you come. Shivani sighed and exclaimed that
(c) he was surprised to see Shruti in Delhi ..................... . 1
and told when she had come. (J) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct
(d) I was surprised to see you in Delhi and option to complete the notice at a poolside.
The swimming pool opens at 9 o'clock and
when did she come. 1
........................ at 6:30 p.m. everyday.
(E) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct (a) closes (b) will close
option, to complete the concluding line of
an issued circular by an Organisation, to (c) had been closed (d) has closed 1
its Managers. (K) Complete the line from a poem, by filling
Please follow up with ........................ (the the blank with the correct option.
/ that / this) fianance team at your Pretty woman wonder where my secret
convenience. 1 lies.
(F) Identify the error and supply the correction I'm not cute or ........................ to suit a
for the given sentence from an article. fashion model's size,

4 English Language and Literature Class X

Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx

 But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
(a) built (b) build
(c) builds (d) had built 1
(L) Identify the error and supply correction
for the following article in World Economic
Forum.
CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
4. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120
words.
You are the manager of Hotel Green View,
Chennai. You had ordered 50 kilograms of
cheese for the hotel. You are not happy with the
quality of the cheese that was sent. In about
100-120 words, write a letter to the manager
of Amaltas Dairy, Chennai complaining about
the poor quality of the product.
5. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words.
With the help of the given flowchart, write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words on ‘Rising Prices’.
You may begin like this:
Life of a poor man ..................
You may end like this:
There needs to be .......................
OR
World Economic Forum carried out a
survey to identify the cause for the poor
economic growth of our country.
Read the following excerpt taken from an
article published by them online:
“A holistic approach in higher education
based on knowledge, skill and value is
required for our nation to become a global
talent leader.”
Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx
A holistic approach in higher education
based of knowledge, skill and value is
required for our nation to become a global
talent leader.
Error Correction
1
10 Marks
OR
Write a letter in 100-120 words to M/s Riddhi
Publishing House, Rewari, complaining that
the books sent by them were not the ones
you had ordered and ask for a replacement.
You are Shalini Arora/Samar Arora, of Kamla
Nagar, New Delhi. 5
Write a paragraph in 120 words on your
interpretation of the data and what steps
must be taken to help change India’s
economic growth and make it a developed
country.
Use of Talent in India
1.4% enrolment rate in vocation training
8.7% gap in mean years of schooling
between rich and poor
3.3% share of GDP invested in education
36% female labour force participation
Sample Paper 2 5
 You may begin like this:
The world Economic Forum conducted a
survey ..................
SECTION - C
LITERATURE
6. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given:
The following Sunday Lencho came a bit
earlier than usual to ask if there was a letter
for him. It was the postman himself who
handed the letter to him while the postmaster,
experiencing the contentment of a man who
has performed a good deed, looked on from his
office. Lencho showed not the slightest surprise
on seeing the money; such was his confidence
— but he became angry when he counted the
money. God could not have made a mistake,
nor could he have denied Lencho what he had
requested. Immediately, Lencho went up to the
window to ask for paper and ink. On the public
writing-table, he started to write, with much
wrinkling of his brow, caused by the effort he
had to make to express his ideas.
(A) State one inference about the postmaster
from the given context: ‘The postmaster
experiencing the contentment of a man
who has performed a good deed, looked
on from his office. 1
(B) Lencho had immense faith in God.
Elaborate in about 40 words, with
reference to the extract. 2
(C) Pick the option that correctly classifies
fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) of the
statements below:
(1) Lencho firmly believed that God would
help him.
(2) Lencho was not a wise farmer.
(3) Lencho wrote a letter to God,
requesting him to send him seventy
peso.
(4) Post master was a mature and kind
hearted person as he could understand
the problems of Lencho.
(1) (2)
6 English Language and Literature Class X
Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx
You may end like this:
It is time that ....................... 5
40 Marks
(a) F - (1), (2), (3) and O - (4)
(b) F - (1), (3), (4) and O - (2)
(c) F - (1), (2) and O - (3), (4)
(d) F - (1), (2) and O - (1), (3) 1
(D) Which phrase would correctly substitute
‘contentment’, in the given sentence from
the extract.
While the postmaster experiencing the
contentment of a man who has performed
a good deed, looked on from his office. 1
OR
When the train had gone, I found myself
standing alone on the deserted platform. I
had no idea where to spend the night. I had
no friends, believing that friends were more
trouble than help. And I did not want to make
anyone curious by staying at one of the small
hotels near the station. The only person I
knew really well was the man I had robbed.
Leaving the station, I walked slowly through
the bazaar. In my short career as a thief, I had
made a study of men’s faces when they had
lost their goods. The greedy man showed fear;
the rich man showed anger; the poor man
showed acceptance. But I knew that Anil’s face,
when he discovered the theft, would show
only a touch of sadness. Not for the loss of
money, but for the loss of trust. I found myself
in the maidan and sat down on a bench. The
night was chilly — it was early November —
and a light drizzle added to my discomfort.
Soon it was raining quite heavily. My shirt and
pyjamas stuck to my skin, and a cold wind
blew the rain across my face.
(A) Choose the incorrect option that does not
align with the thoughts of the writer.
(3) (4)
 (a) Option (1) (b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3) (d) Option (4)
(B) Why is it fair to say that speaker's tone,
when he says “Not for the loss of money,
but for the loss of trust”, is guilt? Answer
in about 40 words. 2
(C) Complete the analogy by selecting
the suitable word from the text:
excess : dearth : : denial : ......................
(D) The extract uses the phrase “but for the
loss of trust”. Which of the following
expressions is incorrect with respect to
“Loss” of:
7. Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given.
But if it had to perish twice
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
.Is also great and would suffiice
(A) What is the synonym for the word ‘perish’
in the given line “But if it had to perish
twice.”
(a) decay (b) die
(c) cold (d) putrid
(B) What is the rhyme scheme of the given
stanza?
(C) Which of the following best describes the
speaker's attitude towards destruction
caused by ice?
(a) Respectful (b) Fearful
(c) Indifferent (d) Dismissive
(D) What causes of destruction does the poet
cite?
(i) ...................................
(ii) ...................................
OR
But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx
(A) Complete the analogy by slecting the
suitable word from the text:
1
happiness : joy : : caged : ...................... 1
(B) What is the poetic device used in the given
lines? 1
(C) What is the significance of the use of
the words “behind bars” to describe the
situation of the tiger in the poem and how
1 does the words choice contribute to the
overall message of the poem? Answer in
about 40 words. 2
(D) “Ignoring visitors”, what does the poet
mean by this? 1
8. Answer ANY FOUR questions in 40-50 words
each. 4 × 3 = 12
(A) Validate the given statement with
reference to baby seagull's fear. “Fear
doesn't exist anywhere else other than
one's mind.” 3
(B) Comment on the tone of Kisa Gotami
when she said, “Pray tell me, sir; who is
1 it?”. 3
(C) Justify the poet’s allusion to Rapunzel in
the poem ‘Amanda’. 3
(D) Prince Siddhartha left the luxury of his
palace and became a beggar. Justify. 3
(E) Give one reason why ‘The Tale of Custard
the Dragon' is more a fable than a ballad.
3
9. Answer ANY TWO questions in 40-50 words
each. 2×3=6
(A) Griffin's brilliance as a man of science
1
fades before his darker traits. Comment. 3
(B) Dr. Herriot knew his patients as well as
1
their owners neally well. Discuss. 3
(C) State one likely reason the writer of The
Midnight Visitor chose to characterise
Ausable as short and fat. 3
1 10. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120
words.
Not every air hostess is as kind as the one the
author met. In the light of this statement,
develop a conversation between Maxwell and
2
another air hostess.
You may begin as:
Air hostess : Oh no. I can’t allow you to keep
the pet open.
Maxwell : Please help me. This is my first
time………………….
Sample Paper 2 7
 OR
Read the extracts given below and comment
on the difference in the nature of help both
the characters, of these two stories, received.
(A) Suddenly I came out of the clouds and
saw two straight lines of lights in front
of me. It was a runway! An airport! I was
safe! I turned to look for my friend in the
black aeroplane but the sky was empty.
[The Black Aeroplane]
(B) All through the night Lencho thought
only of his one hope: the help of God…
The following Sunday, at daybreak he
began to write a letter…It was nothing
less than a letter to God...The following
Sunday Lencho came a bit earlier than
usual to ask if there was a letter for him….
Lencho showed not the slightest surprise
on seeing the money, such was his
confidence.
[A Letter to God]
You may begin this way:
One acknowledges that both the stories
.... 6
11. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120
words.
“A good education can change anyone. A good
teacher can change everything.” Discuss this
with reference to Bholi.
OR
Imagine that M. Loisel from The Necklace
by Guy de Maupassant writes a diary entry,
exploring the theme of class and social status,
and the nature of social mobility, in the context
of his own experience.
Write this diary entry as M. Loisel, in about
120 words. 6

8 English Language and Literature Class X

Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx

 ANSWERS
SAMPLE PAPER - 2
SECTION - A
READING SKILLS
1. (A) (a) Believes grit can be learned.
(B) The tone of the author is motivating and
optimistic. The author wants to motivate
the readers to never give up and always
strive to do their best as one day they will
succeed. By giving example of Thomas
Edison, the author shows the bright side of a
situation.
(C) it motivates them and makes them
optimistic towards an unfavorable situation.
(D) (a) stay down - get up
(d) despair - optimism
(E) optimism
(F) Mindfulness is a practice that helps
the individual stay in the moment by
bringing awareness of his/her experience
without judgement. With this practice of
mindfulness, individuals have the ability to
stop the self-sabotaging downward spiral of
hopelessness, despair and frustration.
(G) (b) Jane Austen was regarded as the model
of grit in fiction
Explanation: The term ‘model’ is used as an
‘example’ in the passage. Hence, (b) is the
right answer.
(H) (a) The only guarantee for failure is to stop
trying.
Explanation: The passage talks about grit
as a way of success. Perseverance and not
giving up lead to success.
SECTION - B
GRAMMAR
3. (A) celebrated
(B)
Error Correction
are were
(C) Raj asked his maid why she was lazy that
day.
(D) (a) He was surprised to see her in Delhi
and asked when she had come.
(E) the
Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx
2. (A) (a) of lack of data at the state level
(B) Goals, including climate action and
sustainable use of marine resources were
left out because of lack of data at the state
level. The points achieved by the states
in these goals may or may not alter the
overall rank of the states. Thus, complete
data is necessary to check the rank for all
the SDGs.
(C) lagger
(D) Chandigarh scored 68 points in the index
and is among the toppers in the list. Clean
water, proper sanitation, quality education
are the reasons due to which Chandigarh
achieved high score in the SDG India Index.
(E) (b) It means the point at which it fully meets
the sustainable development goal.
(F) (d) (i)
(G) (b) (1) is true and (2) is false.
Explanation: It is clearly given in paragraph
5 of the passage that Tamil Nadu topped
the states in poverty reduction while Kerala
topped the states in providing quality
education. Hence, (b) is the right answer.
(H) Gender equality is the SDG in which all
states and the nation needs to improve
and it can be improved by banning and
criminalising female foeticide.
(F)
Error Correction
for from
Explanation: When we describe the
amount of a language spoken by a person,
(G)
Option no. Error Correction
(b) to of
(H) (c) stirring
Sample Paper 2 9
 (I) she was convinced that programme had the (K) (a) built
potential to enhance her abilities. (L)
Error Correction
(J) (a) closes of on

CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

4.
Hotel Green View Subject: Replacement of books
Chennai Dear sir/madam
th
26 May 20XX On 20th February, 2020, I bought a book set
The Manager (Order no. 00036) to be delivered to Kamala
Nagar.
Amaltas Dairy
To my disappointment, I received the wrong
Chennai
set of books. I am extremely worried as the
Subject: Complaint regarding poor quality books are needed urgently.
product
I hope you resolve the problem at the earliest.
Dear sir/madam I would appreciate it if you deliver the correct
This is with reference to our order of 50 set and take the wrong set back. Please let
kilograms of cheese placed with your dairy me know as soon as possible, the action
and unfortunately, we are not happy with the you propose for my redressal. I am sure my
quality. problem can be addressed within 10 days of
We had clearly stated that the cheese should this letter.
be fresh. We also wanted different kinds of I look forward to a prompt action from your
cheese packed and labelled separately. Upon
side.
opening the consignment, there were no labels
and to our shock, two packets of cheddar Enclosed are the relevant documents: copies of
cheese had fungus. the transaction document and the receipt.
Most of the packets were received open and Yours sincerely
the cheese was giving off pungent odour. We
pride ourselves in serving the best quality Shalini / Samar Arora
delicacies and the cheese sent by you did not
meet the basic standard. 5.
Rising Prices - Out of Reach
We wish to return it. Kindly send a fresh Life of a poor man is never easy but the past
consignment within next ten days. If we are few years have been even more difficult. The
not satisfied again, we will have to return the prices of staple food items have been rising
consignment and cancel the order. Moreover
steeply. The table shows a comparative study
we will be forced to rethink continuing business
with you. We hope the fresh consignment will of prices over three years.
be as per our specifications. The rising prices mean that most of the food
Yours truly is beyond the common man’s reach. Since the
table shows wholesale prices, their market
XYZ
rate must be more than double. When basic
Manager necessities cost so much, how is the common
Hotel Green View man supposed to feed his family? When
parents cannot feed their children, they are
OR
malnourished and their growth is adversely
394, Main Road affected.
Kamala Nagar In a country where rice, dal and chapati are
New Delhi staple foods, the skyrocketing prices mean that
the poor cannot afford even one square meal.
1st March 20XX
The Manager, There needs to be a system where the
prices are regulated and those who sell
M/s Ridhi Publishing House, them at inflated prices should be dealt with
Rewari severely.

10 English Language and Literature Class X

Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx

 OR
India - The Reason of Lagging Behind
The World Economic Forum conducted a
survey to analyse the reasons behind India
being a developing nation. The results reveal its
reason and also of the inability to tap available
talent.
The leading cause could be the very low
enrolment rate i.e., 1.4% of the students in
vocational courses, possibly due to dismal
interest in this area. The burgeoning gap in
SECTION - C
LITERATURE
6. (A) The postmaster acted as the messenger
of God by helping Lencho and was proud
of his deed. He was a good and kind
human who found happiness in helping a
man who asked for 100 pesos from God.
(B) Lencho was a simple and hardworking
farmer who had immense faith in God.
When his harvest was destroyed by the
hailstorm, he did not lose hope instead he
had faith in God that he would not let his
family and him die of hunger. So, he wrote
a letter to God asking for 100 pesos and
he was very sure of receiving that amount
from God.
(C) (b) F - (1), (3), (4) and O - (2)
Explanation: From the reading of the
story we get to know that Lencho had a
firm belief in God and that he had written
a letter to God requesting him money. We
also know that the postmaster collected
money for Lencho and gave it to him
pretending as if God had sent the money.
So 1, 3 & 4 are proven facts. Only 2 can be
considered as an opinion about Lencho as
we do not have any evidence for it in the
story. Hence the answer here is (b).
(D) Satisfaction
Explanation: Satisfaction is a synonym for
contentment. Hence, it can be used.
OR
(A) (c) Option (3)
Explanation: Option (1) shows a greedy
person, which the author was, as he robbed
his friend. He had enough money to live
like a rich person (b). As he had robbed his
friend, so he was a thief (d). He wasn’t poor
now. So (c) is the correct answer.
(B) The speaker Hari is guilty of robbing Anil.
Anil was the only person in the city whom
Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx
the education between the rich and the poor
is also a deterrent in cultivating talent which
can be used to boost the economy. With only
3.3% of the share of GDP being invested in
education, India also does not invest enough
in developing means to harness talent. Gender
bias too comes into play with only 36% of the
female participation in the labour force.
It is time that the education policy is refined
and reforms are introduced to ensure that
talent is identified and honed to elevate India’s
position as a developed country.
he knew and who trusted him. Anil was
a kind man who would not get angry of
being robbed of money but would get sad
for the loss of trust by Hari. This realisation
made Hari guilty.
(C) acceptance
(D) (d) Intelligence
Explanation: We loose happiness (a),
money (b), funds (c) but we never at a
loss of intelligence (d). So this is the right
answer.
7. (A) (b) die
Explanation: Perish here doesn’t mean
decay (a) as it refers to the world and its
people. It also doesn’t mean putrid (d)
as it refers to the decay of something
unpleasant. It also doesn’t refer to cold (c).
The word perish here does refer to (b) die as
the poet is writing about the reasons how
the earth may end and all people will die.
(B) a b a b a
(C) (a) respectful
Explanation: The speaker acknowledges
the destructive power of ice in the lines “To
say that for destruction ice is also great”.
The use of the word “great” implies a sense
of awe or respect for the power of ice to
cause destruction.
(D) (i) desire; (ii) hate
Explanation: The poet has compared fire to
our desires and says it can be the primary
reason for the end of the world. And second
reason can be hate, which he compares
with ice.
OR
(A) locked
(B) The poet had made use of alliteration by
using words like concrete cell together.
Sample Paper 2 11
 (C) The words “behind bars” used to describe
the situation of the tiger in a cage. The
word “behind bars” evokes a feeling that
captivity is the worst kind of punishment
given to animals living in their natural
habitat and environment. This contributes
to the overall message of the poem that
freedom is necessary and wild animals
9. (A) Griffin was a brilliant scientist who made
should remain in their natural habitat and
not caged in zoos and cell or behind bars.
(D) By this, the poet means that it doesn’t
matter to the tiger who his visitors are and
what they are doing or saying to him.
Explanation: The tiger is captivated and
he feels helpless. He just strolls in his cage,
thinking about his freedom and the days
he spent in the jungle. The tiger thinks
only about his freedom and hence he sees
nothing except the vast blue sky above him.
8. (A) The baby seagull was too scared to even
try his first flight. He was scared that his
wings would not support his body weight
during flying and he might fall. Although,
he saw his family flying, the fear of falling
down gripped his mind. The fear in his mind
overpowered so much that any assurance
or example could not convince him for his
first flight.
(B) Kisa Gotami was in great shock and disbelief
that her only son was dead. She was not
ready to admit the fact of his death. She
goes to different people desperately asking
for medicine for her son. When a man tells
her that he knows a physician who can help
her, she feels hopeful and asks who it is.
(C) The poet in the poem ‘Amanda’, uses
allusion to depict that Amanda knows that
as Rapunzel let her hair down, she was freed
from the confines of the castle. However,
10. Air hostess: Oh no. I can’t allow you to keep the
Amanda wishes to live alone without any
disturbance so unlike Rapunzel, she doesn’t
want to escape.
(D) Once Prince Siddhartha was on out in the
forest hunting. There he chanced upon a sick
man, a weak old-aged man and a funeral
of a person. Later, he saw a monk begging
for alms. Those sufferings of the common
man made him realise that the world is full
of sorrow and disdain. Hence, he left the
palace in the search of enlightenment and
freedom from the worldly pleasure.
(E) A fable is a fictitious narrative usually
with animals, birds, etc. as characters and
shares a message whereas a ballad is
narrative verse that can be silly or heroic.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a poem
12 English Language and Literature Class X
Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx
that has narrative of animals and gives the
message that everyone has unique talents
and abilities and should be encouraged to
pursue their passions and strengths at their
pace. Hence, it fits better as a fable rather
than a ballad.
a drug to become invisible. He was also
a lawless person, his landlord disliked
him and tried to eject him in revenge
Griffin burnt his house. He also robbed a
shopkeeper and attacked him to escape
without being seen. He was quick tempered
too and misbehaved with people. These
negative traits of him eclipsed his brilliance.
(B) Dr. Herriot was a wise man who knew his
patients and their owners well. He knew
Tricki, his patient, and could understand his
problems just by observing him. Just by
seeing him in the market, he understood
that Tricki needs help. Dr. Herriot also
understood Mrs. Pumphrey, the owner
of Tricki. Although he know that she was
responsible for the miserable condition of
the Tricki, he never spoke any harsh words
to her but advised her on the seriously
obese dog.
(C) Ausable was characterised as short and fat
as the writer wanted to draw the attention
towards his wits and emphasize his mental
ability to handle any grave situation. Being
short and fat he was able to fool the agile
and smart Max by planting a story of a
non-existent balcony. He didn't require an
attractive physique to do this. Perhaps, the
writer wanted to give a strong message
that brain power is far more effective than
any other power.
pet open.
Maxwell: Please help me. This is my first
time carrying an otter as a pet in
the flight.
Air hostess: Sorry sir. I can’t help you in this.
You are not allowed to keep an
animal in the flight, except packed
inside a box.
Maxwell: Try to understand miss. I promise it
won’t create any mess here.
Air hostess: Sir please follow the flight rules.
OR
(A) One acknowledges that both the stories
bring out the symbiotic relation between
man and nature and how help can come in
mysterious ways.
 When the narrator’s plane is caught in speak properly. She gradually got rid of her
the storm and he is unable to see in the stammering. She strives really hard to overcome
dark cloud. The black airplane appears her inferiority complex and weaknesses. She
miraculously to guide him to safety. The transformed Bholi into a confident girl, who
pilot guides him and helps him land safely. could read, write and speak properly which
The narrator finds out later that there was eventually led to her having self-respect and
no other plane. He is grateful for the help dignity and enabled her to fight the social evils.
given by the mysterious stranger. He thinks OR
that some mysterious force of nature guided

8 November 1986, 5 p.m.
him to safety and he feels indebted.
Saturday
(B) Lencho a poor farmer receives help from
unexpected quarters. When the fury of The last few years have been difficult, for
nature destroys his crops and he seeks help my wife, Matilda and me. As I reflect on our
from God. The post-office employees under experience, I can't help but think about the
the guidance of the postmaster collect broader societal issues that have contributed to
money in order to help Lencho. our predicament.
While the pilot is helped in landing safely, It's clear to me now that our society is structured
Lencho is provided material help in the form in a way that makes upward mobility difficult, if
of seventy pesos. not impossible. The rich get richer, while the rest
of us struggle to make ends meet. We live in a
11. Bholi was a simple and innocent girl. She world where social status is determined by the
stammered while speaking. That's why she amount of wealth one possesses, rather than by
spoke little and was an introvert. Education one's character. This narrow view of success has
changed Bholi's personality drastically and led many people, including Matilada, to pursue
for good. After years of gaining education and material possessions at the expense of their
with the help of her teacher, Bholi turned into own happiness.
a confident girl. Boli's teacher provided her the
The loss of borrowed necklace was a painful
much needed sympathy, kindness, attention and
lesson for us. It reminded us that the pursuit of
love. She encouraged and supported Bholi. She
social status can be a trap, leading people to
had full trust in Bholi's capabilities. her faith in
sacrifice their happiness and well-being.
Bholi helped her to become confident. She asked
Bholi to put aside her fear of not being able to M. Hoisel

Sample Paper 2 13

Click here to buy other Educart books on Amazon - https://amzn.to/40U8Txx