KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN, CHENNAI REGION

PRE-BOARD II EXAMINATION (2022-23)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)
CLASS-X
Time allowed: 3 Hours. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Question Paper reading.
2. The Question paper contains THREE sections – Reading, Grammar &
Creative Writing and Literature.
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

Section A: Reading Skills

1. Read the passage given below 10

1. Over the past few decades, research has revealed a great deal of
information about how readers get meaning from what they read and
about the kinds of instructional activities and procedures that are most
successful in helping students to become good readers. For many
years, reading instruction was based on a concept of reading as the
application of a set of isolated skills such as identifying words, finding
main ideas, identifying cause and effect relationships, comparing and
contrasting and sequencing. Comprehension was viewed as the
mastery of these skills.
2. One important classroom study conducted during the 1970s found that
typical comprehension instruction followed what the study called a
mentioning, practising, and assessing procedure. That is, teachers
mentioned a specific skill that students were to apply, had students
practice the skill by completing workbook pages, then assessed them to
find out if they could use the skill correctly. Such instruction did little
to help students learn how or when to use the skills, nor was it ever
established that this particular set of skills enabled comprehension.

3. At about this time, a group of psychologists, linguists, and computer

scientists began to focus research attention on how the mind works —
how people think and learn. A goal of this new research movement,
called cognitive science, was to produce an applied science of learning.

4. In the field of reading, a number of cognitive scientists focused their

attention on how readers construct meaning as they read. Specifically,
they studied the mental activities that good readers engage in to

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 achieve comprehension. From these studies an entirely new concept
emerged about what reading is. According to the new concept, reading
is a complex, active process of constructing meaning - not skill
application.
The act of constructing meaning is:
Interactive - it involves not just the reader but also the text and the
context in which reading takes place.
Strategic - readers have purposes for their reading and use a variety of
strategies and skills as they construct meaning.
Adaptable - readers change the strategies they use as they read
different kinds of text or as they read for different purposes.

5. While cognitive science research was producing valuable information

about comprehension processes, reading education researchers were
reporting important findings about what comprehension instruction
looks like in the most effective reading classrooms.
6.
The convergence of these strands of research has provided a wealth of
information about what good readers do as they read, about how good
and poor readers differ, and about the kind of instruction that is needed
to help students to become good readers.
490 words https://www.readingrockets.org/

Based on the understanding of the passage, answer the questions given

below.
i. Which of the following is not a procedure that followed a typical
comprehension instruction during the 1970s, as revealed after a
classroom study done by researchers?
(a) practising procedure
(b) mentioning procedure
(c) memorisation procedure
(d) assessing procedure
ii. A number of cognitive scientists, in the field of reading, focused their
attention on:
(a) how much an average reader can read in a day.
(b) why many people preferred learning through reading.
(c) why readers had a much better knowledge of vocabulary than
others.
(d) how readers construct meaning as they read.

iii. Supply one point to justify the following:

Readers change the strategies they use.
iv. Select the appropriate option to fill in the blanks:

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 According to the new concept of reading, reading is not _____ but a
complex, active process of constructing meaning.
(a) an insignificant expertise
(b) a comprehension skill
(c) a skill application
(d) a preferred ability
v. The act of constructing meaning is:

I. Comprehensive
II. Adaptable
III. Strategic
IV. Interactive

(a) I, II and III

(b) I, III and IV
(c) II, III and IV
(d) I, II, III and IV
vi. “Such instruction gave no help to the students to learn how or when to 1
use certain skills ….” Which instruction does the writer refer to here?
vii. State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE: 1
In the late 20th century a group of psychologists, linguists, and
computer scientists began to focus research attention on how the mind
works i.e. how people think and learn.
viii. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from 1
paragraph 3:
bow: obeisance objective: ______
(Clue: A bow is a synonym for an obeisance, similarly an objective is a
synonym for a...)
ix. Choose an option that clearly states the meaning of the word 1
‘convergence’.
(a) two or more things become similar or come together
(b) two thoughts or things going parallelly
(c) the emergence of new and distinct thoughts or patterns
(d) the violent mixing of two or more things
x. For many years, reading instruction was based on a concept of reading 1
as the application of a set of isolated skills (Para 1)
1. __________
2. ___________

II Read the passage given below. 10

1. Home stays initially grew in popularity as a way for language, cultural
or student travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture of a
town or city. But in the last few years, thanks in part to online

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 aggregators that specialize in connecting guests and hosts, the profile
of the typical homestay traveller has changed significantly. As
indicated by the research by PhoCus Wright’s U.S. Consumer Travel
Report Sixth Edition while students still account for 29% of homestay
guests, nearly half of all homestay guests travel for leisure.

2.

3. A home stay is an increasingly popular form of accommodation that

connects guests with individual hosts who have opened their homes to
travellers. Guests don’t stay in an empty apartment or home, but
instead share the accommodations provided by the homeowner and his
or her family. Home stays are a popular lodging option for consumers
of all ages who want a more personalized, immersive and authentic
travel experience. The key to a great homestay experience for both host
and guest is about not only finding the right home, but also the right
person. In other words, finding the right match. While some guests are
seeking an immersive and cultural experience, others might simply
want good quality, affordable accommodations in the right location
with a host they get along with. Similarly, some hosts will want to
spend hours chatting with guests over a meal while others will prefer
guests who are more independent.
4. According to research presented in PhoCus Wright’s U.S. Consumer
Travel Report Sixth Edition: • 77% of next-generation travellers chose
a home or apartment rental for lodging. The top reasons for choosing a
rental over a hotel include: Home like amenities

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 • More space • Multiple rooms • Multiple travellers • Value for money
and A perfect fit for millennials Holiday. The homestay traveller is
most likely to be on holiday — 38% of our respondents indicated that
they were travelling for leisure.
5.

Source : Homestay.com
On the basis of your understanding of the passage attempt the 1x10=10
questions that follow.

i. In the line “……thanks in part to online aggregators that specialize in 1

connecting…”, the word “aggregator” does not refer to…
a. Web based collector of information about a topic
b. Web based banking
c. Web based application to gather and provide data
d. Website based communication about a particular topic
ii. According to research presented in PhoCus Wright’s U.S. Consumer 1
Travel Report Sixth Edition:
a. Almost 50% of home stay guests travel for leisure
b. Almost 50% of home stay guests are students
c. Almost 29% of students travel for leisure
d. Nearly 29% of home stay guests travel for leisure
iii. One of the elements that is important to a home stay is: 1
a. Guests are required to spend time with owners
b. Guests stay with the homeowners of the house
c. Guests have to cook their own food
d. Guests stay in a cheap place with basic amenities

iv. Rita might have to shift to Goa if she accepts offer for a new job. 1
However, she wants to experience the culture, meet people, interact
with them and get a feel of the place before she makes the final

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 decision. Which type of accommodation should she stay at?
a. A five-star hotel
b. Hostels
c. Home stay
d. Guesthouse
v. Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that 1
lists the inherent qualities of home stays:

a. 1, 2 and 5 b. 1, 3 and 4 c. 1, 5 and 6 d. 1, 3 and 5

vi. As per the data of all the people who opt for home stays the ones who 1
like it the most are:
a. Those who travel for fun or education
b. Those who travel for education or business
c. Those who travel for business or events
d. Those who travel for relocation or internship
vii. Why do guests book home stays? They have certain requirements. 1
Identify the top three in the correct order as per the passage.
a. 1. Homely atmosphere 2. Location of the stay 3. Affordable
b. 1. Ease of access 2. Affordable 3. Homely atmosphere
c. 1. Homely atmosphere 2. Local experience 3. Learn about cultures
d. 1. Affordable 2. Local experience 3. Location of the stay
viii. According to the report, the percentage of people, who travel for 1
business, prefer home stay is ___________.
a. 11 % b. 14 % c. 3 % d. 6 %
ix. Choose the option that is ‘Not True’ as per the report 1
a. Home stays are the new alternative of stay for travellers
b. Home stays are affordable and a great option for budget travellers
c. Home stays are often in far corners and there difficult to locate
d. Home stays offer vast space and a home like environment

x. According to the report what percentage of people stay at a homestay 1

to improve their communication in a particular language
a. 12% b. 8% c. 6% d. 10%

III SECTION B- GRAMMAR

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10
i. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the 1
magazine article.
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 The thief and the eye-witness _____.
(a) has escaped (b) has been escaping
(c) was escaping (d) have escaped
ii. Read the conversation between Sunil and Anil and complete the 1
narration that follows:
Sunil: I’m really looking forward to the class picnic tomorrow.
Anil: Yes, we will be meeting all our friends and teachers.
When Sunil said that he was looking forward to their class picnic. Anil
affirmed that _____.

iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line to 1
complete an online update.

During my school days, I _____ beat all on the track.

(a) could (b) should (c) can (d) might
iv. 1
Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for
the following line, from self-help book:

Goals provides direction to our behaviour and guide our actions and
thoughts.

Option No. Error Correction

(a) provides provide
(b) behaviour behaviours
(c) to for
(d) guide guides

v. Complete the notice by filling in the blank with the correct option: 1
The oldest museum in Chennai _____ at 6 a.m. daily.

(a) open (b) is opening (c) opened (d) opens

vi. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket. 1
The News reader _________(alert) the public about the threat of an
epidemic that is to spread soon.
vii. Identify the error in the given sentence from an article and supply the 1
correction.
Kotagiri , a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu , is one of the more
wonderful places to visit.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction
________ ____________

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viii. Rohit shared some information with Ankit, about a movie. Report 1
Ankit’s question.
Ankit: Is the movie enjoyable?
ix. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the 1
sentence.
You have studied for a long time. You _____ be hungry.
(a) must (b) shall (c) need to (d) can
x. A bouquet of flowers __________ required for the event. 1
a. are b. have c. has d. is

xi. Ram and Shyam are discussing their plans for the weekend. Fill in the 1
blank to complete the dialogue below by choosing the correct options.

Ram : What are you doing this weekend, Shyam?

Shyam: I don’t have any special plan.
Ram: How do you like the idea _____ .

(a)of go for a picnic to the Dal Lake?

(b)of going for a picnic to the Dal Lake?
(c)of went for a picnic to the Dal Lake?
(d)of going for a picnic by the Dal Lake?

Every tree have a single woody stem called trunk. 1

xii. Use the given format for your response
Error Correction
_____ _________

SECTION B- CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 10

IV. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5
All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious.
Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental.
1A. You are Shyam / Shyamala residing in No. 20, II Cross, Tagore Nagar,
Chennai. Write a letter of complaint to Gadget World regarding the
faulty TV that they have sold you. Invent the necessary details on your
own.( Word Limit :120 words )
OR
B As Kapil/Kapila, write a letter to the Mayor of your area about the non‐
functional street lights of your colony. State the inconvenience being
faced by residents including the threat of theft, eve teasing, unsafe
roads due to potholes, etc.
2. A. The Pie Chart shows some data on the various uses of harvested
rainwater to fulfil non-potable water needs of a metropolitan city.
Analyse the data and summarise it in the form of a paragraph.
( Word limit :120 words)
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 OR
B. A. Given below is a newspaper report on Tuberculosis (TB) prevailing in
South Africa. You have been asked to write an analytical paragraph on
TB – A Threat to Society taking information from the clipping given
below with your own ideas.
B.
In South Africa, cities are more TB prone than rural areas. In the
early 1990s one out of ten urban Africans got TB in their life time,
ie. every second or third family had to face this disease. This is partly
due to high levels of pollution in the air and also that metros are
exposed to high population. In order to check the steady growth of
TB in the country, the government shall have to give priority to
prevent pollution. At the same time, measures to undertake
improvement in facilities for the treatment of TB shall have to be
adopted.

Write a paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the given argument.

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
V. Reference to the Context 5
Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given.
1.A “Alas! the living are few, but the dead are many. Do not remind us of

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 our deepest grief” And there was no house but some beloved one had
died in it.”
i. What grief were they not talking about when they said “Do not remind 1
us of our grief”?
(a) The grief of losing their property.
(b) The grief that many people have died in their house.
(c) The grief of talking about losing a loved one.
(d) The grief that they had lost a son.
ii. What did they mean by ‘the living are few, but the dead are many’? 1
iii. Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only. 1
The people’s _____ come/ comes through clearly when they say “Do
not remind us of our deepest grief”.
iv. Which of the following statement is TRUE according to the given 1
extract?
(a) The living are very few.
(b) The living population has increased manifold.
(c) There was no house where no one had died.
(d) Both (a) and (c)

v. Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word 1
‘living’ as used in line 1 of the extract.
(a) He was offered a place of living at the Central Square.
(b) She was struggling to make a living as a dancer.
(c) The young man is dead. We have to consider only the living.
(d) Olivia has always been a model of healthy living.
OR
1.B I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to
mind. Anil made money by fits and starts. He would borrow one week,
lend the next. He kept worrying about his next cheque, but as soon as it
arrived, he would go out and celebrate. It seems he wrote for
magazines – a queer way to make a living!
(The Thief’s Story) (1x5=5 Marks)
i. The phrase which suggests that Anil did not have a regular income is 1
__________________.

ii. The information in the extract suggests that Anil could be a 1

(a) salaried professional
(b) freelancer
(c) business man
(d) volunteer
iii. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from 1
extract:

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 lose: find :: lend : _____
(Clue: Just like lose is antonym of find, similarly lend is antonym of...)
iv. The reference to making a little money ‘this way’ refers to a way that 1
is viewed by most people as
(a) sensible
(b) unacceptable
(c) charitable
(d) aggressive
v. Based on your understanding of the story, choose the option that 1
synchronises with Hari Singh’s thinking.
(a) I’m making very less profit.
(b) I am unhappy with Anil.
(c) Anil is very shrewd. So, I’m unable to loot him.
(d) Anil doesn’t trust me at all.
2. Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts 5

2A Or if some time when roaming round,

A noble wild beast greets you,
With black stripes on a yellow ground,
Just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn
The Bengal Tiger to discern.

i. The fact that the poet is greeted by a noble wild beast shows that he 1
is_________
i)roaming around in a forest
ii) roaming around in a meadow
iii) roaming around with a tiger
iv) roaming around with a lion
ii. The rhyme scheme is ____________ 1
i) ababac
ii) ababaa
iii) ababcc
iv) acabab
iii. This passage helps the reader to discern a/an ___________ 1
i) Bengal tiger
ii) Tiger
iii) Asian tiger
iv) Noble wild beast
iv. The reader should learn to notice _____________ 1
i) how to learn a simple rule
ii) how to greet a tiger
iii) if the beast eats you

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 iv) if people eat the beast
v. Which option fits the description of the noble beast? 1
i) Yellow stripes on a black background
ii) No stripes on a black background
iii) Black stripes on a yellow background
iv) No stripes on a yellow background
OR
2B Read the extract given below and attempt it by answering the 5
questions that follow.
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days in the harbour where
His ball went. I would not intrude on him;
i. The poet uses the word ‘ultimate’ to describe the boy’s reaction. Pick 1
the meaning that DOES NOT display what ‘ultimate’ means in the
context given.
a) consequent b) final c) conclusive d) fateful
ii. (ii) Which of the following expression best describes the mood of the 1
boy as in the line
‘As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down

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

iii. The poet does not intrude on him. It is because 1
(a) the poet may spoil the mood of the boy who was happy.
(b) the poet thinks that the boy learns a lesson for his life from this
incident.
(c) the poet feels sad for the condition of the boy who lost his ball.
(d) the poet has no willingness to buy a ball for the boy.
iv. (iv) The age of the boy is around ten years. If the boy is a mature, 1
grown up, he might react to the same ball in the following way:
(1) inconsistent to the loss.
(2) urge to get a new ball or toy.
(3) casual approach to get the ball back

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 (4) regrets the loss and stands strongly.

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 4 only

1
v. Choose the right option which gives the meaning of the word
‘HARBOUR’ as used in the extract.
(1) During the riots, all the criminals harbour in the cave.
(2) He might have harboured in Visakhapatnam.
(3) This town has a harbour and an airport.
(4) Belfast harbour was dredged in 1845 to provide deeper berths for
larger ships.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 3

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

i. Describe the narrator’s experience as he flew the aeroplane into the 3

storm. Throw light on his feelings and emotions at that time (The black
Aeroplane)
ii. What does the poet want to convey through the poem ‘Fog’? (Fog) 3

iii. What is the story behind Coorgi people’s descent that makes them so 3
brave? (Coorg)
iv. Nelson Mandela speaks of twin obligations. What are they? 3
(Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom)
v. Why does Amanda wish to be a mermaid, an orphan, or Rapunzel? 3
VII Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each 2x3=6

i. How does Think-Tank compare the Martians with the people on the
Earth? What does he call the earth mockingly? (The Book That Saved
the Earth)
ii. What was the cause of Matilda’s ruin? (The Necklace)
iii. Keeping a pet is not all fun but a responsibility too. Comment on the
statement. (‘Mijbil the Otter’).
VII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 1X6=6
I
i. The author shares a lot of information about the bakers in his home
town when he was young. Describe the childhood memories of the
author. He appears to be a very observant child. Should children have
such keen observation powers? If so, why? (A Baker from Goa)
OR
ii. Both Anne Frank and Amanda were teenagers and sensitive girls.
Analyse the common character traits of Anne Frank and Amanda with
reference to the texts ‘From the Diary of Anne Frank’ and ‘Amanda’
respectively.
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IX Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 1X6=6
i. Science has given us many useful inventions but it is man who misuses
it. Griffin, the scientist has made an invention but misused it. Write
how humanity gets affected by the misuse of an invention.
(Footprints without Feet)
OR
ii. “But to be a really big man, a clever man and respected man was
something else.” Hari Singh finally realised the importance of
education and honest living. Write the character sketch of Hari Singh.
(The Thief’s Story)

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