MID-TERM ASSESSMENT (2021-22)

CLASS-10
SUBJECT-ENGLISH

Time: 90 Minutes Max. Marks 40

General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections.
2.Section A-READING has 18 questions. Attempt a total of 14 questions, as per specific
instructions for each question.
3. Section B-WRITING & GRAMMAR has 12 questions. Attempt a total of 10 questions, as per specific
instructions for each question.
4. Section C-LITERATURE has 30 questions. Attempt 26 questions, as per specific instructions for each
question.
5. All questions carry equal marks.
6. There is no negative marking.

READING

I. Read the passage given below.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Women empowerment refers to making women powerful to make them capable of deciding for
themselves. Women have suffered a lot through the years at the hands of men. In earlier centuries, they
were treated as almost non-existent. As if all the rights belonged to men even something as basic as
voting. As the times

evolved, women realized their power. There on began the revolution for women empowerment.
As women were not allowed to make decisions for themselves, women empowerment came in like a
breath of fresh air. It made them aware of their rights and how they must make their own place in
society rather than depending on a man. It recognized the fact that things cannot simply work in
someone’s favour because of their gender. However, we still have a long way to go when we talk
about the reasons why we need it.
Almost every country, no matter how progressive has a history of ill-treating women. In other words,
women from all over the world have been rebellious to reach the status they have today. While the
western countries are still making progress, third world countries like India still lag behind in
women empowerment.
In India, women empowerment is needed more than ever. India is amongst the countries which are not
safe for women. There are various reasons for this. Firstly, women in India are in danger of honour
 killings. Their family thinks it’s right to take their lives if they bring shame to the reputation of
their legacy.
Moreover, the education and freedom scenario is very regressive here. Women are not allowed to
pursue higher education, they are married off early. The men are still dominating women in some
regions like it’s the woman’s duty to work for him endlessly. They do not let them go out or have
freedom of any kind.
In addition, domestic violence is a major problem in India. The men beat up their wife and abuse them
as they think women are their property. More so, because women are afraid to speak up. Similarly, the
women who do actually work get paid less than their male counterparts. It is downright unfair and
sexist to pay someone less for the same work because of their gender. Thus, we see how women
empowerment is the need of the hour. We need to empower these women to speak up for themselves
and never be a victim of injustice.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions by
choosing the correct option.
Choose the most appropriate options to answer the questions.
Q 1. Women want to be empowered so that…
(i) they can travel alone.
(ii) they can decide for themselves.
(iii) they can dominate their spouses.
(iv)none of the above.

Q 2. Non-existent means same as…

(i) someone who will not go.
(ii) someone who hate women.
(iii) someone who hate men.
(iv) someone who is not present.

Q 3. How did women realise the need to be empowered?

(i) They were suffering because of men.
(ii) Not capable of deciding for themselves.
(iii) No voting rights.
(iv) All of the above.

Q 4. The expression ‘a breath of fresh air’ means same as…

(i) they are comfortable breathing.
(ii) they removed the pollutants from the air.
(iii) they experienced a refreshing change.
(iv) all of the above.

Q 5. When women were empowered they realized-

(i) interdependence
(ii) independence
(iii) oppression
(iv) suspension

Q 6. The phrase ‘a long way to go’ implies…

(i) a long journey to reach the empowerment building.
(ii) a lot of hurdles to be overcome to gain empowerment.
(iii) to take the opposite choices which men take, to be victorious.
(iv)to not worry about male gender any more.
Q 7. Read the two opinions and then choose the right option.
Opinion 1: All countries have history of ill-treating women.
Opinion 2: The western countries never ill-treat their women.
(i) Opinion 1 and opinion 2 are correct
(ii) Only Opinion 1 is correct.
(iii) Only Opinion 2 is correct.
(iv) Opinion 1 and 2 are incorrect.

Q 8. Women from all over the world have been rebellious to reach their status, they have today.
This means …
(i) women deserve to be ill-treated because they have always been timid.
(ii) women deserve to be ill-treated because they are too wild.
(iii) women have fought for their recognition to be treated the way they are today.
(iv) women are rebellious because they want to dominate men.

Q 9. Women in India are in danger of ‘honour killing’’ This means…

(i) they are killed because they bring shame.
(ii) they are killed if they marry anyone other than their own caste.
(iii) they are killed because of their legacy.
(iv) they are unsafe so they are killed.

Q10. Domestic violence is a major problem in India.

(i) Women are exploited as if they are their property.
(ii) Women speak too much in their domestic place.
(iii) Women must be disciplined through violence.
(iv) All of the above.

II. Read the passage given below.

Even in India's sunny cities, rooftop solar systems come under a cloud
1. With its many advantages, rooftop solar systems could have been the most popular power alternative in
India's homes and establishments. Yet, as of December 2020, it makes for only about 20% of all the
solar energy capacity installed in the country--6,792 MW of the total of 34,197 MW.
2. To understand the reasons, we picked Nagpur, a central Indian city with 300 sunny days a year, for an
investigation. Despite this advantage, of the 532,000 properties with solar rooftop potential in Nagpur,
only 2,528 (0.47%) have actually installed it--2,187 residential properties and 341 non-residential,
commercial or mixed use. As an incentive, the city's municipal corporation offers a 5% discount on
property tax for those using rooftop systems but even that has not helped much, we found.
3. What are the reasons for the slow growth of the rooftop solar sector in Nagpur, and the rest of
Maharashtra? Statistics on growing power usage show that homes make for 75% of power consumers
in Maharashtra and their need for dedicated energy is ever-growing with increased use of appliances. A
2019 survey by energy non-profit Prayas of 3,000 households in semi-urban and rural areas of
Maharashtra concluded that up to 95% of the households surveyed in Maharashtra used televisions,
98% smart phones, 67% mixers/blenders and 55% refrigerators.
4. We found that people in Nagpur are keen to switch to solar power but the uptake of rooftop solar
systems across Maharashtra is poor and this is primarily because of the high cost of installation--
approximately Rs 2 lakh for a 3-kV system and Rs 5 lakh and more for a 6-kV system. Long waits,
corrupt officials, inconsistent regulatory policies, high costs, patchy implementation of the subsidy
scheme and lack of awareness have only caused confusion and frustration.
 Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight questions by choosing the
correct option.

Q.11. The heading of this article indicates that the rooftop solar systems have ______
(i) promoted cloud computing (ii) . lost the trust of people
(iii) helped onset of monsoons (iv) brought in a heat wave

Q.12.The purpose of the writer to talk about rooftop solar systems in paragraph 1 is to-
(i) popularise it as an alternative energy source.
(ii) show the lack of awareness about its advantages.
(iii) present a dismal picture of its usage by people.
(iv) make people aware about its inadequate capacity.

Q.13. The word ‘patchy’ in Para 4 DOES NOT mean the same as:
(i) uneven (ii) fragmented (iii) prospective (iv) deficient

Q.14 Choose the sentence that substitutes ‘alternative’ as it is used in paragraph 1

(i) He should try some other method.
(ii) He could do different things.
(iii) He guessed that stand-by mode worked.
(iv) He had no option but to leave.

Q.15 On the basis of the pie chart the state which have highest number solar installation are:
(i) Rajasthan (ii) Karnataka (iii) Andhra Pradesh
(iv) Tamilnadu

Q. 16 Select the correct inference with reference to the following statement:

(i) Nagpur was chosen for the survey because it had 532,000 properties with solar rooftop potential.
532,000 properties in Nagpur had solar powered roofs.
(ii) Nagpur had 532,000 houses willing to have solar roofs.
(iii) Nagpur had 532,000 properties with solar panels.
(iv) 532,000 houses in Nagpur had roof tops to hold solar panels.

Q. 17. The paragraph 3 indicates about rooftop solar system installation there is _____
(i) an increase in roof top solar system installation
 (ii) a need for rooftop solar installation
(iii) continuous installation of rooftop solar systems
(iv) a rapid decline in roof top solar system installation

Q 18. Arrange the states in increasing order as per their solar system cumulative installations.
(i) Gujarat
(ii) Maharastra
(iii) Uttar Pradesh
(iv) Telangana
a. iv, iii, i, ii.
b. i, iii, ii, iv
c. iii, ii, i, iv
d. iv, i, iii, ii

GRAMMAR and WRITING

GRAMMAR
III. Answer any five out of the six questions by selecting the most appropriate option for each.

Q 19. Each of these producers…....................his own advantage.

(i) have (ii) is
(iii) has (iv) are
Q 20. Ten miles…......................long distance.
(i) is (ii) are
(iii) has been (iv) have been
Q 21. Many student.........................hard to pass his entrance exam.
(i) try (ii) tries
(iii) are trying (iv) none of the above
Q 22. David said, “Can they go tomorrow?”
(i) David said if they can go tomorrow.
(ii) David asked if they could go the following day.
(iii) David asked if they could go tomorrow.
(iv) David said whether they could go tomorrow.

Q 23. The student said, “Ma’am, please extend the deadline.”

(i) The student asked the teacher to extend the deadline.
(ii) The student said if the teacher would extend the deadline.
(iii) The student requested ma’am to extend the deadline.
(iv) The student said that ma’am should extend the deadline.

Q24.Richard said, “I must attend the meeting.”

(i) Richard said that he had to attend the meeting.
(ii) Richard said that it was must that he attend the meeting.
(iii) Richard said that he would attend the meeting.
(iv) Richard said that he would attend the meeting

WRITING
IV.Answer any five out of the six questions given, with reference to the context below.
Read the letter to the editor and complete by choosing the given options.

4, Shastrinagar
Jaipur
 24 October 2021

Q 25. ……Editor
Hindustan News Mumbai.

Subject: Q26.……… of Amul milk booth in Shastrinagar

Sir / Madam
I am Rajat, a resident of Shastrinagar. I am writing to you in order to raise the issue of the
absence of an Amul milk booth in my locality.
Shastrinagar has a huge population that Q27.......daily wagers. Still, the area does not
have an Amul milk booth. The residents face many problems as they have to walk up to 10
kilometres every morning to get their daily stock of milk and milk products. This has also led to
black Q 28. ..............The people of the area are getting harassed.
As the situation is serious, I request you to Q 29.........it through your newspaper so that
the Amul authorities are sensitized towards it and do the needful.

Yours Q30.….
Rajat

Choose the appropriate words to complete the letter-

Q 25. (i) A (ii) An
(iii) The (iv) For

Q 26. (i) Plenty (ii) Lack

(iii) Insufficient (iv) Enough

Q 27. (i) compromises (ii) continues

(iii) contacts (iv) comprises

Q28. (i) mail (ii) mailing

(iii) marketing (iv) poaching

Q 29. (i) informs (ii) highlight

(iii) knowledge (iv) acts

Q 30. (i) friendly (ii) obediently

(iii) sincerely (iv) lovingly

LITERATURE
This section has sub-sections – V, VI, VII, VIII & IX. There are a total of 30 questions in
this section. Attempt any 26 questions from the sub-sections V to IX.

V. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

Tenth May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries and
world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the
largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil. The ceremonies took place in the lovely
sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of
white supremacy, and now it was the site of rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the
installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government, What did the highest generals do in
the event?
Q 31. Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
i. On 10th May, Nelson Mandela sworn in as the first black Head of State, South Africa.
ii. Before 10th May, the seat of President was occupied by the white.
iii. A few international leaders came for the inauguration ceremony on 10th May.
iv. ‘Bright and clear day’ refers to 10th May.
v. Anti-racist came to power without any hard struggle.

(a) i and ii
(b) ii and iii
(c) iii and v
(d) iv and v

Q 32. Who among the following is the narrator of this extract?

(a) The white president of South Africa
(b) The black president of South Africa
(c) The president of United States of America
(d) A common man of South Africa

Q 33. Which word does ‘besieged’ NOT correspond to?

(a) Surrounded
(b) Crowd
(c) Requested
(d) Swarm

Q 34. Pick the option that correctly classifies the facts (F) and opinions/s (O) of the students

(a) F – 1, 2 and O – 3, 4
(b) F – 2, 3 and O – 3, 4
(c) F – 1, 3 and O – 2, 4
(d) F – 3, 4 and O – 1,2

Q35. The ceremony took place in a building made of:

(a) marble
(b) sandstone
(c) bricks
(d) wood
 VI.Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

“Paper has more patience than people’ I thought of this saying on one of those days when I was feeling a little
depressed and was sitting at home with my chin in my hands, bored and listless, wondering whether to stay in
or go out. I finally stayed where I was, brooding: Yes, paper does have more patience, and since I’m not
planning to let anyone else read this stiff- backed notebook grandly referred to as a ‘diary’, unless I should
ever find a real friend, it probably won’t make a bit of difference.”

Q 36. ‘Paper has more patience than people.’ What does this imply?
This implies that Anne-
a) believed in the power of writing more than speaking to people.
b) felt that she could pour her heart out on paper without any hindrance.
c) had more faith in sharing her thoughts and feelings with paper.
d) felt that she could share her feelings openly on paper.

Q 37. Pick the option that is ODD one out with reference to the meaning of ‘patience’.

a) option (i)
b) option (ii)
c) option (iii)
d) option (iv)

Q 38. If the diary were a ‘real friend’, what qualities would Anne expect it to have? Pick the option
that lists these correctly.

1. optimistic
2. good listener
3. confidant
4. energetic
5. non-judgemental
6. outgoing
7. ambitious

a) 1 & 4
b) 5, 6 & 7
c) 2, 3 & 5
d) 3 & 7

Q39. Pick the option that lists the image that most appropriately corresponds to ‘chatterbox’.
a) image (i)
b) image (ii)
c) image (iii)
d) image (iv)

Q 40. Based on this extract, pick the option with the list of words that best describe Mr. Keesing.
a) jovial and creative
b) strict and innovative
c) tolerant and strict
d) innovative and jovial

VII. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down .
All his young days into the harbour where His ball went.
I would not intrude on him; (The Ball Poem)

Q41. The boy is very young in this poem. As a mature, balanced grown-up, he might look back and
think that his reaction of ‘ultimate shaking grief’ was-
1) disproportionate to the loss.
2) pretension to procure a new toy.
3) according to his exposure and experience then.
4) a reaction to the failure of retrieving the toy.
5) justified and similar to what it would be currently.

a) 5&2
b) 1&3
c) 2&4
d) 3&5

Q 42. The poet uses the word ‘ultimate’ to describe the boy’s reaction.
Pick the meaning that DOES NOT display what, ‘ultimate’ means in the context given-

a) consequent
b) final
c) conclusive
d) fateful

Q 43. Pick the option that lists the boy’s thoughts, matching with the line-
As h e stands rigid, trembling, staring down.
a) Option 1
b) Option 2
c) Option 3
d) Option 4

Q 44. Why does the speaker choose not to intrude?

This is so because the poet-
a) knows that it would embarrass the boy in his moment of grief.
b) feels that it’s important that the boy learn an important life lesson, undisturbed.
c) realises that he doesn’t have sufficient funds to purchase a new ball for the boy.
d) experiences a sense of distress himself, by looking at the boy’s condition.

Q45. Choose the option that lists the meaning of ‘harbour’ as used in the extract.
Noun:
(1) a place on the coast where ships may moor in shelter.
(2) a place of refuge.

Verb:
(3) keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one's mind, especially secretly.
(4) shelter or hide (a criminal or wanted person).

a) Option 1
b) Option 2
c) Option 3
d) Option 4

VIII. Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

Anil was watching a wrestling match when I approached him. He was about 25-- a tall, lean fellow – and
he looked easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose. I hadn’t had much luck of late and thought
I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence.

Q 46. Based on the line, “A little flattery helps in making friends.” Choose the option that displays
the quote closest in meaning-

a) Imitation is the best form of flattery; people generally understand that my comedy is not intended to
hurt anybody
b) I know imitation is the highest form of flattery, but stealing one's identity is totally different.
c) Nothing is so great an example of bad manners as flattery. If you flatter all the company, you please
 none; If you flatter only one or two, you offend the rest.
d) One may define flattery as a base companionship which is most advantageous to the flatterer.

Q 47. Anil looked easy-going, kind and simple to the narrator.

Which of the given characteristics would NOT fit in with this description?
a) compassionate
b) suave
c) uncomplicated
d) carefree

Q 48. ‘I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence.’

Choose the option that DOES NOT display what the statement means.
a) He wanted to win his trust.
b) He wanted him to share his thoughts without caution.
c) He wanted him to feel comfortable revealing more details about himself.
d) He wanted to be able to spend quality time with him.

Q 49. ‘I hadn’t had much luck of late’ means that the boy hadn’t-
a) ever conned people successfully.
b) been successful in duping people lately.
c) understood the consequences of thievery till date.
d) considered the role of fate in deceiving others.

Q 50.According to the extract, the young boy was watching the wrestling match because he-
a) had been invited there by the wrestlers.
b) was supposed to meet someone there.
c) was looking for simple people to dupe.
d) loved wrestling and followed it very closely.

IX. Attempt the following.

Q 51. What else did the reply demanded apart from goodwill, ink and paper?
a) lost crop
b) money
c) God's signature
d) new seeds

Q 52. Why did his mother stop midway while giving him the fish?
a) she was mad at him
b) to push him to fly out of hunger
c) she didn't want to give him the fish
d) she got tired

Q 53. The title "Black Aeroplane" is based on?

a) the aeroplane that helped the pilot
b) the pilot's aeroplane
c) aeroplane in the stormy sky
d) none of the above

Q 54. What tells you that Peggy wasn't cruel?

a) protected small children from bullies
b) couldn't stand animals getting mistreated
c) did not make Wanda cry
d) all of the above

Q 55. What did Maddie think of herself after the letter was read out loud?
a) Grateful
b) Lucky
c) Hero
d) Coward

Q56. Who is the poet of the poem "Dust of Snow"?

a) Leslie Norris
b) Robert Frost
c) Carolyn Wells
d) Robin Klein

Q 57. What would suffice if the world were to perish twice?

a) ice
b) fire
c) hatred
d) both 1 and 2

Q 58. Name the poetic device used in the line "In his quiet rage".
a) metaphor
b) assonance
c) Oxymoron
d) Consonance

Q 59. What did the dogs know about food?

a) last ones will be liable to have competition for the leftover food
b) there was no competition
c) it wasn't good
d) it was the best part of the day

Q 60. Who was the most trusting person narrator had ever met?
a) Anil
b) publisher
c) Anil's friends
d) none of the above