PREBOARD EXAMINATION - II (2022-23)

SUBJECT- ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)

CLASS-X
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Time : 3 hrs. MM: 80
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General Instructions:
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
2. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, GRAMMAR & WRITING, and LITERATURE.
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

Section A: READING SKILLS 20 MARKS

I Read the passage given below. 10 MARKS

1. Do you know that November 24 is Evolution Day? Charles Darwin, an English naturalist, established that all
species have life, have descended over time from common ancestry and proposed the scientific theory that this
branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called Natural Selection. Charles Robert Darwin
was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England on February 12, 1809 at his family home, the Mount. He was
the fifth of six children of a wealthy society doctor and financier Robert Darwin and Susannah Darwin.
Darwin’s book, On the Origin of Species was published on November 24, 1859, which is why this day is
2. celebrated as Evolution Day. It is the work of scientific literature which is considered to be the foundation of
evolutionary biology. Its full title was On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the
Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. For the sixth edition of 1872, the short title was
changed to the, On the Origin of Species.

Darwin’s book introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through
3. a process of natural selection. It presented evidence that the diversity of life arose by common descent
through a branching pattern of evolution. Before developing his theories and writing this book, Darwin spent
five years on HMS Beagle. The Beagle sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, and then carried out detailed
hydrographical surveys around the coast of the southern part of South America, returning via Tahiti and
Australia after having circumnavigated the Earth.
Darwin spent most of the time on land investigating geology and making natural history collections, while
4. the Beagle surveyed and charted coasts. Puzzled by the geographical distribution of wildlife and fossil, he
collected on the voyage. Darwin began detailed investigations and in 1838 conceived his theory of natural
selection. His work established him as an eminent geologist and the publication of his journal of the
voyage made him famous as a popular author.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. 1x10
i Which day is celebrated as the Evolution Day?
a) Darwin’s birth anniversary
b) Publication of Darwin’s book, ‘On the Origin of Species’
c) German Public holiday of Ascension Day
A. Only a
B. Only b
C. Both a and b
D. Only c
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 Darwin Day is …………………………..
ii
A. Also known as Evolution Day
B. His birth anniversary
C. Neologism coined prior to 1997
D. German Public Day
iii Why is Evolution Day Celebrated?
iv The sixth edition of Darwin’s book was published in ……………………………….
A. 1872
B. 1809
C. 1997
D. 1859
v Where did Darwin spend five years before writing his book?

vi Pick up the statement which is true:

A. Darwin was a geologist

B. Darwin was a sailor
C. Darwin was a traveller
D. Darwin was a hydrographic surveyor
vii Hydrographic survey is ………………….

A. Study of physical features of underwater areas

B. Study of availability of water on earth
C. Study done before undertaking sailing
D. Survey on usable water
viii What is HMS Beagle?

A. Science Project
B. A Ship
C. A hydrographical survey
D. An Island
ix Write the synonym of the word ‘concieve’ as used in para 4.

A. Evolve
B. To carry
C. Impregnable
D. Formulate
x Find the words from the passage which means, ‘famous’.
a) Voyage
b) Eminent
c) Evolution
A. (b)
B. (a)
C. Both (a) and (b)
D. Both (b) and (c )

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II Read the passage given below. 10 MARKS

The decline in pre-primary Enrolments continued in 2021-22

The number of children entering pre-primary classes in 2021-2022 saw a further decline, resulting in 30% fewer
students in this school section as compared to the pre-COVID period as younger students with less access to remote
learning continue to bear the biggest brunt of learning loss during the pandemic, according to a report released by the
Ministry of Education.
A total of 94.95 lakh students entered pre-primary classes in 2021-2022, registering a drop of 10% as compared to
the previous year when 1.06 crore children enrolled in these classes. However, in 2020-2021, there was already a
decline of 21% enrolment in pre-primary classes as compared to 1.35 crore the year before as the pandemic and
lockdown measures resulted in school closures and classrooms moving online, according to the Unified District
Information System for Education Plus report on school education.
Enrolment in primary classes, which include classes 1 to 5, also saw a drop for the first time—falling from 12.20
lakh in 2020-2021 to 12.18 lakh in 2021-2022. However, the total number of students from primary to higher
secondary increased by 19 lakh to 25.57 crores.

Also for the first time since the pandemic, the report records a decline in the number of schools due to closures as
well as a lack of teachers. There were 20,000 fewer schools in 2021-2022 as the total number of schools dropped
from 15.09 lakh to 14.89 lakh. The report notes that these were primary schools under “private and other
management”. There were also 1.89 lakh or 1.98% fewer teachers as their number reduced from 96.96 lakh in 2020-
2021 to 95.07 lakh in 2021-2022.
Computer facilities were available in 44.75% of schools, while Internet access was available only in 33.9% of
schools. However, their availability has improved as compared to pre-Covid when only 38.5% of schools had
computers and 22.3% had Internet facilities.

The gross enrolment ratio, which compares the enrolment in a specific level of education to the population of the
corresponding age group, for the primary section has improved from 101.3% in 2018-2019 to 104.8% in 2021-2022.
For secondary classes, it has risen to 79.6% in 2021-22, from 76.9% in 2018-19, and for higher secondary level, it
has increased from 50.14% to 57.6%.

The Gender Parity Index (GPI) of GER, which indicates the representation of girls in school with respect to their
population in the corresponding age group, was also found to be favorable to girls with a GPI value of 1.

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Answer the following questions-
i
The source of the above information is…………………………….

ii What is GER?

Which report has discussed about the enrollment status in Pre-Primary classes?
iii
A. Unified District Information System for Education Plus
B. Ministry of Education
C. Gender Party Index
D. None of the above

iv The reasons for the decline in enrollment in pre-primary classes are

(i) School closure in pandemic

(ii) Classroom turned online
(iii) Lack of internet connection
(iv) New Education policy

A. (i) and (ii)

B. (ii) and (iv)
C. (i) (ii) and (iii)
D. (i) (iii) and (iv)

According to the report The population of the students of primary sections during the period of 2018-19 to
v
2021-22 shows-
A. Rise of 104%
B. Rise of 3.5%
C. Decline of 101%
D. Decline of 3.5%
vi
What is true about GPI?
A. It is the gender parting index
B. It was found to be favorable for secondary classes
C. It is found to be favorable for girls
D. Both A and C

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vii What is the contradiction between primary and higher secondary enrollment during the year 2021-22?

A. GPI of primary classes decreases but higher secondary increases

B. GPI of Primary classes rises and Higher secondary decreases
C. GER of primary classes decreases but higher secondary increases
D. GER of Primary classes rises and Higher secondary decreases
viii
Write any two effects of the Post-COVID period on the education of Pre-Primary classes.

ix
Find the word from the passage that refers to the “ bad end of a situation”.

The extract uses the phrase, ‘decline in’. Which of the following expressions as incorrect with respect to the
word ‘decline’.

A. Option a
B. Option b
C. Option c
D. Option d

III SECTION B –GRAMMAR AND WRITING SKILL 20 Marks

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions 1 X 10 = 10

i
I have …………………….. Coins in my pocket. (NOT MANY coins) 1
A. Few
B. The few
C. A few
D. Little
ii
This diet is suitable for her lifestyle. She ………………………. definitely like it! 1
A. Will
B. Could
C. Should
D. Might

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 iii
Report the following sentence in indirect speech: 1
The doctor said to me, ”Drink eight glasses of water to avoid acidity.”
A. The doctor told to me to drink eight glasses of water to avoid acidity.
B. The doctor advised me that take eight glasses of water to avoid acidity.
C. The doctor requested to take eight glasses of water to avoid acidity.
D. The doctor advised me to take eight glasses of water to avoid acidity.
iv
Unscramble the following sentence to make meaningful ones : 1
The first/ across/ woman/ solo/ to fly/ the Atlantic Ocean/ she/ became.

v
He has taken…………….. taxi to ……………………… station. 1
A. The, a
B. A, a
C. A, the
D. The, the
vi
Rishabh’s parents got feedback about him from his teacher who told them that he hardly......................in group
discussion. 1
A. Will participate
B. Participates
C. Has participated
D. Had participated
The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Identify the error and write
its correction against the correct blank number. Remember to underline the correction. The first one has
been done for you. 3

Error Correction
The history of chocolate began
(vii) Example of in
of Mesoamerica.
Fermented beverages make
from chocolate date …………………… . …………………….
back to 450 BC. The Mexico
(viii) believed when cacao seeds …………………… . …………………….
were the gift of Quetzalcoatl,
(ix) the god of wisdom, but the ……………………. …………………….
seeds, once, were used as a form
of currency.

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 Read the conversation given below and complete the passage that follows:
Teacher : Ravi, may I know why haven’t you done the homework?
Ravi : Sir, I was not well.
The teacher wanted to know......................................................to Ravi told the teacher that he had not been
(x)
well.
A. If he had done his homework
B. Why he hadn’t done the homework.
C. Why had he not done the homework.
D. If why he had not done his homework
xi Excitement, as well as nervousness,..........................the cause of her jittering.
A. Are
B. Is
C. Were
D. had
xii
Hurry up! Think about the warden, we have to rush. We....................miss the last bus back to the hostel.
A. Won’t
B. Needn’t
C. Couldn’t
D. Mustn’t

CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 10 Marks

IV
All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental

Attempt any one

1. Social networking sites have become the latest fad among school-going children. The craze has a very bad
impact on youngsters. Considering its gravity, you want to express your concern by writing a letter to the
A editor of Hindustan Times in about 100-120 words.
You are Nitin/Nutan of H. No. 123/8, Sant Nagar, New Delhi – 110065.

OR

You are Keerti/Krishna of 56, Indrapuram, Bangalore. You bought a new VIP Washing Machine from M/S
Rama Electronic, Commercial Street, Bangalore last week.

Later, you found that the machine makes an unbearable noise and the motor tears away delicate fabrics. Write
B a letter to the dealer complaining about the same and requesting him to change the machine as early as
possible.

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2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5 MARKS

Observe the given figure carefully. It shows one weeks’ sales figures of cars of different companies in
A percentage. Also, interpret the data in detail.
OR
"Mental Health and Mental health issues are as important to be taken care of as another disease. People often
B look down upon the people who share their mental health issues that is why it has become a taboo”
The given excerpt is taken from a health and wellness magazine.
Write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words to analyze the given statement. You could think about what
alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include rationale/evidence that would
strengthen/counter the given argument.

SECTION C - LITERATURE 40 MARKS

1. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 5 MARKS

1.A How foolish people are when they own valuable things, Horace thought. A magazine article had described this
house, giving a plan of all the rooms and a picture of this room. The writer had even mentioned that the
painting hid a safe! But Horace found that the flowers were hindering him in his work. He buried his face in
his handkerchief. Then he heard a voice say from the doorway, “What is it? A cold or hay fever?” Before he
could think, Horace said, “Hay fever,” and found himself sneezing again. The voice went on, “You can cure it
with a special treatment, you know, if you find out just what plant gives you the disease. I think you’d better
see a doctor, if you’re serious about your work. I heard you from the top of the house just now.”

(A Question of Trust)

i Infer one reason for the following, based on information in extract:

Horace was sneezing………

ii Which magazine could have published the article mentioned in the given extract?

A. Paws & Claws

B. Outdoors & Landscaping
C. Interiors
D. The Investor

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iii In the line – Before he could think, Horace said, “Hay fever,” –the response was

A. rehearsed.
B. spontaneous and natural.
C. hesitant.
D. rapid and hostile.

iv Write a line from the extract that can be considered an example of sarcasm.

v Choose the image that correctly describes the location of the safe, based on the given extract.

A B

C D
OR

1.B “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.”

(From the Diary of Anne Frank)

i “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.

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ii Pick out the emotion which clearly brings out the meaning of ‘listless’ as used in the extract?

A. (i)
B. (ii)
C. (iii)
D. (iv)
iii Write one word for “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay”

iv 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. confident
4. energetic
5. Non-judgmental.
6. outgoing
7. Ambitious
A. 1 and 4
B. 5, 6 and 7
C. 2, 5 and 7
D. 3 and 7

v Pick out the sentence that brings out the meaning of ‘brooding’ as used in the extract?

A. The mysterious house on the hill is still brooding above the village.
B. The people at the stock market always keep brooding about the gains.
C. He was brooding over the matter and took a long time to decide.
D. Suspense and drama were brooding at the site of the investigation.

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2 Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given below. 5 MARKS

2.A Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow by choosing the correct option
But I can get a hair dye
And set such color there,
Brown, or black, or carrot,
That young man in despair
May love me for myself alone
And not my yellow hair.”
i Who is “I” in the above stanza?

A. The Poet
B. Balinda
C. Anne Gregory
D. Anne Frank
ii The speaker in the above stanza implies:

A. That the speaker is longing to dye her hair

B. That there is nothing uncommon to find a selfish love.
C. What is visible from the outside is very superficial and should not be important
D. Appearances are deceptive
iii What according to the speaker, matters most for love?

A. That anyone falling in love with her must see the actual person behind the beauty
B. That one should always be desperate to find a true love
C. That one should be affectionate and caring irrespective of being loyal
D. That one should admire one’s love eternally
iv Which proverb suits best highlights the theme of the poem?

A. It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation

B. Success is the child of audacity
C. An idle brain is the devil’s workshop
D. Beauty is only skin deep
v The form of the given stanza is a part of:

A. An agreement
B. A disapproval
C. An engagement
D. An argument
OR

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2.B Some say the world will end in fire

Some say in ice

From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire
i What does the poet favour for?

A. Fire

B. Ice

C. Water

D. None of these

ii What does desire mean here?

A. Man’s passion
B. Man’s violence
C. Man’s greediness
D. Both A and B
iii Why do some people say that the world will end in fire?

A. Because the lust for material things is increasing

B. Because of climate change due to global warming
C. Because people are destroying all the natural things from the environment
D. Both B and C
iv Which poetic device is used in the line

“From what I’ve tasted of desire”

A. Personification
B. Imagery
C. Alliteration
D. Enjambment
v What is the rhyme scheme of the above stanza?

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VI Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each. 4x3=12

1. ‘Adversity is the true test of a person’s character.’ How does the quote hold true for Balinda’s pets?

2. Why does the title of the poem ‘Amanda!’ have an exclamation mark?

3. The narrator shares, “Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days.” What do you feel has
changed now? Why?

4. How does Mandela define courage and from where did he learn the meaning of courage?

5. “never mind, “She said, “I can get on by myself. You don’t have to help me.”

The conductor was a jolly sort, fond of joking. “Oh, please don’t be angry with me, my fine madam,” he said.
What does the above extract reveal about Valli?
VII Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2x3=6

1. How does Think-Tank describe the people the people on earth? Why does he command Noodle to contact the
space probe?

2. Why does Mrs. Pumphery think the dog’s recovery is a triumph of Surgery?

3. “Scientist contribute to make the world a better place.” Griffin is an antithesis to this statement.

VIII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 1x6=6

1. ‘Sermon at Banaras’ could just as well be considered another glimpse of India. If it were part of the story
‘Glimpses of India’, what ideas, values, and/or experiences would it highlight? How would you present this
historical part of India?
OR
Farce is a kind of comedy that includes situations and dialogues that are ridiculous, exaggerated and even
absurd. Evaluate the play, The Proposal, as a farce.

IX Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 1x6=6

“Parent-Child relationship is the first step towards wise parenting” Explain the above mentioned statement in
the context of “Bholi” and “Richard Ebright”.

OR

Hari Singh says- “He knew it but neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything.”

Anil successfully addressed the situation by not addressing it at all. Elaborate based on your reading of ‘The
Thief Story’.

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