SHRI DEICHAND MANGERAM SMART SCHOOL

Class 10 - English

Practice Paper-1

Maximum Marks: 40
Time Allowed: 90 minutes

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

Question No. 1 to 10 are based on the given text. Read the text carefully and answer the
questions:

Do you have a hobby? Is there anything that you are passionate about? Something creative that you
really like doing, or are deeply involved with? Something that grips you, makes you forget all else —
even makes you forget to eat or sleep? No, I am not talking about your job or your daily chores.
By developing a parallel line, other than that of your job, and following it like crazy, you energise your
life. It will keep you going even when all other activities have stopped. It did not make much sense to
me until I ran into a retired officer turned passionate writer. Let’s call him Mr. X. What was amazing
was his appearance. He looked 10 years younger than his self-proclaimed 75 - dark grey hair, tall and
robust. Well-preserved, as some would say. ‘‘I don’t want to take much of your time, but just wanted to
show you my work,’’ he said. In his bag, he was carrying dozens of books that he had written after
retirement. Short stories and novels in his mother tongue and in English, for children and adults.
Mr. X retired after putting in 30 years of service. But he did not retire from life. No way. ‘‘In fact, I lead
a much busier life now - writing.’’ ‘‘So writing is your hobby ?’’ I asked him. ‘‘No, it is my only interest.
While I was working, I did not have enough time to write. But now I work 10 - 12 hours a day writing,
writing, writing.’’
‘‘Why? Is that the way you support yourself ?’’ ‘‘No, my writings don’t pay me financially, but they fulfil
me otherwise,’’ he said. Mr. X lives on his savings, but he relies on his passion to take care of his mental
and physical wellbeing. In fact, such is the energy and sense of satisfaction and contentment that he
draws from his writing that he has managed to survive many upheavals in life. Thanks to his passion,
retirement never became a sad phase of life for him; instead, it gave him a new lease of life, an
opportunity to do that which he missed out on or had no time for earlier.
And his level of commitment was impressive. He does not want publicity nor is he interested in
advertising himself. ‘‘It will take me away from my writing and pull me into the world of the Internet. I
would rather follow my passion,’’ he says. Gathering his books, he was soon ready to leave - eager to go

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 back to his passion. He left me with the motivation to seek one, too. Thank you, Mr. X.

1. What did Mr. X do after retirement?

a. Met new people and motivate them
b. Advertise his books
c. Continued working even after retirement
d. Followed his passion for writing
2. How were the retirement years of Mr. X?
a. Full of tragedies and upheavals
b. He wrote books and sold them
c. It became a sad phase of life
d. Writing gave him a new lease of a happy life
3. Why was Mr. X not interested in seeking publicity?
a. He is interested in advertising his writings
b. He would be pulled to the world of Internet
c. He would be motivated
d. He already earns enough for survival
4. Mr. X lives on his ________.
a. siblings’ support
b. savings
c. son’s support
d. profit from business
5. Mr. X has managed to survive much ________ in life due to his obsession.
a. reunions
b. upheavals
c. joys
d. celebrations
6. Mr. X wrote books in home many languages?
a. 2
b. 1
c. More than 3
d. 3
7. The noun form of fulfill is
a. fulfilled
b. fulfil
c. fulfillment
d. fulfilling
8. The word which means very enthusiastic in para 1 of the passage is
a. forget
b. grip
c. creative
d. passionate
9. The word which means active and energetic in para 4 of the passage is
a. well-preserved
b. amazing
c. robust
d. self-proclaimed

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10. Mr. X left the narrator with a motivation to seek a
a. pen
b. hobby
c. book
d. sport
Question No. 11 to 18 are based on the given text. Read the text carefully and answer the
questions:

The National Policy on states that a large proportion of the students currently enrolled in elementary
school have not attained foundational literacy and numeracy (the ability to read and understand the
basic text, and carry out basic addition and subtraction). It recommends that every child should attain
foundational literacy and numeracy by grade three.
The table highlights the results of the National Achievement Survey 2017 on the learning levels of
students at Grade 3 in language and mathematics. The results of the survey suggest that only 57% of
students in Grade 3 are able to solve basic numeracy skills related to addition and subtraction.
Table: NAS results on the learning level of Grade-3 students

Percentage of
Learning level (Grade 3)
students

Ability to read small texts with comprehension (Language) 68%

Ability to read printed scripts on classroom walls such as poems, posters

65%
(Language)

Solving simple daily life addition and subtraction problems with 3 digits
57%
(Mathematics)

Analyses and applies the appropriate number of operation in a situation

59%
(Mathematics)

Sources: National Achievement Survey (2017)

To achieve universal foundational literacy and numeracy, the Policy recommends setting up a National
Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy under the MHRD. All state governments must prepare
implementation plans to achieve these goals by 2025. A national repository of high-quality resources on
foundational literacy and numeracy will be made available on the government’s e-learning platform
(DIKSHA). Other measures to be taken in this regard include: (i) filling teacher vacancies at the earliest,
(ii) ensuring a pupil to teacher ratio of 30:1 for effective teaching, and (iii) training teachers to impart
foundational literacy and numeracy.
Comparison of R&D expenditure in India with other countries (2017)

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 Sources: S&T Indicators Table 2019-20, Ministry of Science and Technology, March 2020
To boost research, the NEP recommends setting up an independent National Research Foundation
(NRF) for funding and facilitating quality research in India. The Foundation will act as a liaison
between researchers and relevant branches of government as well as industry. Specialised institutions
that currently fund research, such as the Department of Science and Technology, and the Indian
Council of Medical Research, will continue to fund independent projects. The Foundation will
collaborate with such agencies to avoid duplication.

11. The word foundational literacy from the passage means the same as:
a. The ability to read and understand the basic text
b. The inability to read and write
c. The ability to learn new ideas
d. The ability to solve mathematical problems
12. …a large proportion of the students currently enrolled in elementary school have not attained
foundational literacy and numeracy. What does the statement represent?
i. Several children enrolled in elementary schools do not have basic educational abilities.
ii. Several children enrolled in elementary schools are unable to access educational materials.
iii. Several children in elementary schools are solving problems beyond their age.
iv. Several children in elementary schools are below the average age accepted.
a. Only (iii)
b. Only (i)
c. Only (ii)
d. Only (iv)
13. Based on the given table, choose the options that are TRUE according to the information given in the
passage:
i. 40% of children correctly analyze and applies mathematical operations.
ii. 68% of grade 3 children have the ability to read small texts and comprehensions.
iii. 57% of children can solve basic daily maths problems.
iv. 65% of children don’t have the ability to read poems.
a. i and iv
b. i and ii
c. Only iii
d. ii and iii
14. Based on the information given in the passage, select the correct statement:
i. Every child should attain foundational literacy and numeracy by grade one.
ii. 57% of students in Grade 6 are unable to solve basic numeracy skills related to addition and
subtraction.

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 iii. The NRF will act as a liaison between researchers and relevant branches of government as well as
industry.
iv. DIKSHA is a private online repository.
a. Only (iv)
b. Only (i)
c. Only (ii)
d. Only (iii)
15. Choose the correct graphical representation according to the information from the passage:

a.

b.

c.

d.

16. Which of the following statement is NOT substantiated by any information from the passage:
a. Japan has the third-highest R & D expenditure.
b. South Korea has the highest R & D expenditure.
c. India and the U.S have the same R & D expenditure.
d. Pakistan has a higher R & D expenditure than India.
17. A national repository of high-quality resources on foundational literacy and numeracy will:
a. Help the country to achieve higher foundational literacy and numeracy.
b. Allow international teachers to access learning materials.

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 c. Help students to solve problems easily.
d. Contain study resources for students from Grade 6 ahead.
18. Arrange the order of the countries based on their R & D expenditure:
i. South Korea
ii. India
iii. South Africa
iv. Germany
a. iii, iv, i, ii
b. ii, iv, iii, ii
c. i, iii, ii, iv
d. i, iv, iii, ii
GRAMMAR
19. The orders were that we ________ the area within hours to prevent further loss of life.
a. had to evacuate
b. have to evacuate
c. had evacuated
d. will have evacuated
20. Sorry, you can't borrow my pencil. I _______ it myself.
a. use
b. using
c. am using
d. was using
21. You really ________ be late again.
a. must
b. don’t have to be
c. have to
d. must not
22. One of my close friends ________ us a question that neither of us ________ able to answer.
a. have asked, is
b. had asked, can
c. has asked, is
d. had asked, are
23. He said to the interviewer, "Could you please repeat the question?"
Reported speech: ________
a. He requested the interviewer to please repeat the question.
b. He requested the interviewer if he could please repeat the question.
c. He requested the interviewer to repeat the question.
d. He requested the interviewer if he could repeat the question.
24. There isn't _______ point at all in getting upset about it.
a. few
b. many
c. any
d. none of these
WRITING

Question No. 25 to 30 are based on the given text. Read the following passage and.and answer the
questions:

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 You are planning to write a letter to the editor of a national daily. There are certain things that you will
have to keep in mind while writing the letter.

25. Which is the most appropriate salutation in a letter to the editor?

a. All of these
b. Dear Sir/Madam
c. Mr./Mrs. Editor
d. Sir/Madam
26. Why do we write a letter to the editor?
i. To motivate the newspaper to take action
ii. To command the editor to take action
iii. To focus on the issue
iv. To request the daily to give some space to your views which can highlight the issue leading to some
solution
a. Option (iv)
b. Option (i)
c. Option (iii)
d. Option (ii)
27. How should we write the subject in a letter to the editor?
i. In capital letters
ii. In roman letters
iii. The first letter of every word in the capital (except for the prepositions, conjunctions, and articles)
iv. Both in capital letters and in roman letters
a. Option (iv)
b. Option (iii)
c. Option (i)
d. Option (ii)
28. Select the correct format of writing date in the formal letters:
a. 23rd March, 2021
b. both 23rd March, 2021 & March 23, 2021
c. March 23, 2021
d. 23/03/2021
29. The subject of the letter to the editor should be:
a. stretched and irrelevant
b. as long as possible
c. brief, clear, and relevant
d. none of these
30. Where should we write the salutation in the letter to the editor?
a. Along with the date
b. Below the date
c. Above the date
d. None of these
LITERATURE

Question No. 31 to 35 are based on the given text. Read the text carefully and answer the
questions:

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 "In the opinion of the judges, any one of the drawings is worthy of winning the prize. I am very happy
to say that Wanda Petronski is the winner of the girls’ medal. Unfortunately, Wanda has been absent
from school for some days and is not here to receive the applause that is due to her. Let us hope she
will be back tomorrow. Now class, you may file around the room quietly and look at her exquisite
drawings."

31. Pick the statement that is TRUE, according to the information given in the extract.
a. Wanda won the prize because she had submitted a variety of entries.
b. Wanda would have still won the prize even if she had submitted just one entry.
c. Wanda would have still won the prize if she had drawn something else.
d. Wanda won the prize because the majority of judges were women.
32. Miss Mason says, I am very happy to…. Which phrase DOES NOT replace the underlined phrase
correctly from those given below?
a. I am sure you’ll be surprised to…
b. I am delighted to…
c. It fills me with joy to…
d. It gives me great pleasure to…
33. When the teacher wants them to file around, she wants the students to
a. file the designs properly in their folders.
b. walk in a line to admire the designs.
c. put the files in their proper places.
d. gather around her table to discuss the designs.
34. Pick the sentence that DOES NOT use due to in the same sense as in the given extract.
a. We must give our colleagues the vacation due to them.
b. I have some extra money due to me this month from my friend.
c. You have an apology due to your parents.
d. She was disappointed due to their rude behaviour.
35. The teacher refers to Wanda’s designs as exquisite because
a. each of them was a copy of the latest fashion trend.
b. each one had the same colour theme as the other.
c. each one of the hundred designs was different.
d. each one of them was very beautiful.

Question No. 36 to 40 are based on the given text. Read the text carefully and answer the
questions:

The house - the only one in the entire valley - sat on the crest of a low hill. From this height one could
see the river and the field of ripe corn dotted with the flowers that always promised a good harvest.
The only thing the earth needed was a downpour or at least a shower. Throughout the morning Lencho
- who knew his fields intimately - had done nothing else but see the sky towards the northeast.

36. Based on the detail of the house’s location, how can it best be described?
a. Unique
b. Imposing
c. Majestic
d. Solitary
37. The field of corn dotted with flowers means that:
a. the flowers were scattered across.

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 b. the flowers had shrunk in size.
c. not a single flower was bigger than a dot.
d. the flowers were in shaped like dots.
38. Lencho wished for a downpour or a heavy shower. Pick the option that correctly lists the correct match
for kinds of rain.
1. Heavy rain (i) Light rain that falls in very fine drops

2.
(ii) Very heavy rain, tropical rain
thunderstorm

3. drizzle (iii) It’s coming down quite strong and you get very wet very quickly

4. Torrential
(iv) Really heavy rain that comes very suddenly
rain

(v) Is a violent, short-lived weather disturbance Associated with lightning, thunder

5. downpour
and strong, gusty winds
a. 1 - (iv), 2 - (i), 3 - (iii), 4 - (v), 5 - (ii)
b. 1 - (iii), 2 - (v), 3 - (i), 4 - (ii), 5 - (iv)
c. 1 - (v), 2 - (iii), 3 - (iv), 4 - (ii), 5 - (i)
d. 1 - (ii), 2 - (iv) ,3 - (v), 4 - (i), 5 - (iii)
39. Based on the given extract, what is Lencho NOT likely to think while looking at his field?

a. Option (iii)
b. Option (i)
c. Option (ii)
d. Option (iv)
40. Which quote supports the idea in the given extract?
a. “Farming is a profession of hope.”
b. “Farming looks mighty easy when your plough is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from the
corn field.”
c. “Those too lazy to plough in the right season will have no food at the harvest.”
d. “I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.”

Question No. 41 to 45 are based on the given text. Read the text carefully and answer the
questions:

Some say the world will end in fire

Some say in ice.

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 From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.

41. According to the poet, the world will end in:

a. none of these
b. ice
c. both of these
d. fire
42. What does desire mean here?
a. Man's violence
b. Both Man's passion and Man's violence
c. Man's passion
d. Man's greediness
43. Name the poet.
a. William Cowper
b. Ben Johnson
c. William Blake
d. Robert Frost
To practice more questions & prepare well for exams, download myCBSEguide App. It provides
complete study material for CBSE, NCERT, JEE (main), NEET-UG and NDA exams.
44. What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?
i. abcd
ii. abaa
iii. abbc
iv. aabb
a. Option (ii)
b. Option (ii)
c. Option (i)
d. Option (iv)
45. Name the poem.
a. Amanda
b. Fire and Ice
c. Dust of Snow
d. Animals

Question No. 46 to 50 are based on the given text. Read the text carefully and answer the
questions:

The two boys started in surprise at the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet. What was a
barefooted man doing on the steps of a house in the middle of London? And where was the man?
As they gazed, a remarkable sight met their eyes. A fresh footmark appeared from nowhere!
Further footprints followed, one after another, descending the steps and progressing down the street.
The boys followed, fascinated, until the muddy impressions became fainter and fainter, and at last
disappeared altogether.

46. Why were the boys surprised to see a barefooted man in London?
The boys were surprised as
a. only a person who is homeless and wandering does so.

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 b. it was pretty cold to move around bare feet.
c. it was an unusual sight to see someone this way.
d. everybody in London moved around in shoes.
47. Pick out the option that is NOT related to started as used in the extract

a. option (iii)
b. option (iv)
c. option (ii)
d. option (i)
48. Pick the option that best describes how the boys are feeling based on the extract.
a. repulsed, curious, captivated
b. enchanted, curious, puzzled
c. captivated, curious, puzzled
d. enchanted, repulsed, curious
49. The boys felt that the footprints were
a. seen due to some magic trick.
b. of a man who was invisible.
c. a figment of imagination.
d. those of a mysterious man.
50. Pick the option that best matches synonyms of the word gazed.
a. (1) overlooked (2) stared
b. (1) gaped (2) gawked
c. (1) admired (2) disbelieved
d. (1) surveyed (2) overlooked
51. What did Mandela learn about courage?
a. It is absence of fear
b. Both it is the absence of fear and triumph over fear
c. It is the triumph over fear
d. None of these
52. Name the poetic device used in the line He stalks in his vivid stripes. (A Tiger in the Zoo)
a. Oxymoron
b. Consonance
c. Metaphor
d. Assonance
53. What was Miss Mason's reaction when she came to know that the class had been making fun of
Wanda?
a. None of these
b. She started crying
c. She was unhappy and upset
d. She started laughing
54. Who is Anne’s long-awaited friend?

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 a. Her pen
b. Her cat
c. Her Dog
d. Her diary
55. How does the poet’s mood get changed? (Dust of snow)
a. When started laughing
b. None of these
c. When the dust of snowfall on him
d. When he started running
56. According to Nelson Mandela, How many aspects did freedom have?
a. Freedom has many aspects
b. Freedom has three aspects
c. Freedom has few aspects
d. Freedom has two aspects
57. How does the tiger feel in the cage? (A Tiger in the Zoo)
a. He was surprised
b. He was in happy mood
c. He was an angry mood
d. He was in sad mood
58. The story occurred in ________. (Footprints without Feet)
a. London
b. America
c. Paris
d. Berlin
59. How many notes were there in the bundle of notes of Anil?
a. Twelve
b. Ten
c. Eleven
d. Thirteen
60. How much amount did Hari Singh rob from Anil's house?
a. Five hundred rupees
b. Six hundred rupees
c. Seven hundred rupees
d. Eight hundred rupees

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