KVS ZONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING CHANDIGARH

– FOR PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION(WINTER STATIONS)

PRACTICE PAPER

Class – X 2023-24
Subject – English Language & Literature

Time: 3Hrs M M: 80
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
Technology is making advancements at a rapid rate but at the cost of a valued tradition – the
crafts industry. The traditional crafts industry is losing a lot of its trained and skilled craftsmen.
With that, the art of embellishing brass and copper utensils with fine engravings is also
disappearing. The government has identified around 35 crafts as languishing craft.
The speciality of handcrafted items is its design, an association with long traditions belonging to
a specific region. The word ‘handcrafted’ does not imply the involvement of dexterous human
fingers or an agile mind with a moving spirit anymore. Lessening drudgery, increasing
production and promoting efficiency have taken precedence. The labour-saving devices are
taking the place of handcrafted tools and this has jeopardized the skills of these artisans.
Mechanisation has made its way into everything – cutting, polishing, edging, designing etc.
Ideally, the use of machinery should be negligible and the handicrafts should be made purely by
hand with a distinguishable artistic appeal. However, with the exception of small-scale
industries, the export units are mostly operated by machines. The heavily computerized designs
contribute to a faster production at lower costs.
Although mechanization of crafts poses a challenge to safeguarding traditional crafts, the artisans
are lured with incentives in order to impact handicrafts training. Some makers do see machines
as a time-saving blessing since they are now able to accomplish difficult and demanding tasks
with relative ease. These machines might give a better finesse to these products but they don’t
stand out as handcrafted. Quantity has overtaken quality in this industry.
A need to highlight the importance of the handmade aspect is required by both the government
and private sectors, in order to amplify awareness and also support the culture of making
handicrafts. A few artisans are still trying their best to rejuvenate and revive their culture and
heritage but it’s an uphill task competing with the machine-made goods. A multitude of artisans
have changed their professions and are encouraging their progeny to follow suit. There are others
who have stayed their ground but are clearly inclined towards buying machines.
Nearly two decades ago, there were around 65 lakh artisans in the country. Three years ago,
when the government started the process of granting a unique number to the artisans based on the
Aadhaar card, 25 lakhs were identified. Loss of traditional crafts is clearly a worrying issue, but
it stands to reason that forcing any artisan to follow old ways when concerns of livelihood
overrule other considerations, is unfair.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. 1x10
1. What does the writer mean by calling handicrafts a ‘valued tradition’?
(a) It showcases talents associated with artisans ‘lifestyle’.
(b) It represents our rich artistic culture.
(c) It is very costly.
(d) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
2. What does the phrase ‘failing to make progress’ mean?
(a) To make progress (b) Languishing
(c) Succeeding (d) None of the above
3. Why are artisans choosing to work via machines rather than handcrafted tools?
(a) Because it saves labour.
(b) Because the artisans are lazy.
(c) Because it increases production and efficiency
(d) Both (a) and (c) are correct.
4. The artisans need to be ‘lured with incentives’ to impart training because ……………… .
(a) They run the risk of losing their traditional livelihood to them.
(b) Need to be tempted.
(c) They are few in number.
(d) They work whole heartedly.
5. The impact of the support of government and private sectors towards the culture of
making handicraft has resulted in ……………………. .
(a) More artisans to be incentivized to continue their tradition.
(b) Creation of awareness and public support.
(c) Artisans wouldn’t change their professions seeking better livelihood.
(d) All the above are correct.
6. What argument does the writer give to justify the artisan’s act of abandoning his/her
traditional craft for a more lucrative option?
(a) That the artisan cannot be expected to continue their profession if it is not profitable.
(b) That continuation is very difficult.
(c) That the loss is perturbing.
(d) All the above are correct.
7. What is the benefit of heavily computerized designs?
 (a) It contributes to a faster production.
(b) The production is at lower costs.
(c) The designs are outdated.
(d) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
8. The mechanization of crafts safeguards traditional crafts.
(a) True
(b) False
9. Machines have jeopardized the skills of the artisans.
(a) True
(b) False
10. The synonym of rejuvenate is …………………… .
(a) Vigour (c) Revitalize
(b) Culture (d) Art

II. Read the passage given below. 10

The UN’s 2017 International Year tells that sustainable tourism is an important tool for
development, most importantly in poor communities and countries. Today sustainability –
environmental, social and economic – is increasingly recognised as the benchmark for all
tourism business. As noted by the UN World Tourism Organisation, 57% of international tourist
arrivals will be in emerging economies, by 2030. The various ‘Tourism Terms’ are defined as
follows:
CATEGORY DEFINITION
Eco tourism Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment,
socially and economically sustains the well-being of local people, and
creates knowledge and understanding through interpretation and
education of all involved ( including staff, travellers and community
residents).
Ethical Tourism n a destination where ethical issues are the key driver, e.g.
Tourism social injustice, human rights, animal welfare or the environment.
Geo Tourism Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place
– it’s environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture and well – being of its
residents.
Pro-Poor Tourism that results in increased net benefit for the poor people in a
Tourism destination.
Responsible Tourism that maximizes the benefits to local communities, minimizes
Tourism negative social or environmental impacts, and helps local people
conserve fragile cultures and habitats or species.
Sustainable Tourism that leads to the management of all resources in such a way
Tourism that economic, social, and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while
maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological
diversity and life-support system.
Based on data collected by a survey by Travel Bureau, the following market profile of an
eco-tourist was constructed.
Age: 35-54 years old, although age varied with activity and other factors such as cost.
Gender: 50% female and 50% male, although clear differences based on activity were found.
Education: 82% were college graduates, a shift in interest in eco-tourism from those who have
high levels of education to those with less education was also found, indicating an expansion into
mainstream markets.
Household composition: No major differences were found between general tourists and
experienced tourists (experienced eco-tourists = Tourists that had been on at least one “eco-
tourism” oriented trip).
Party composition: A majority (60%) of experienced eco-tourism respondents stated they prefer
to travel as a couple, with only 15% stating they preferred to travel with their families, and 13%
preferring to travel alone.
Trip duration: The largest group of experienced eco-tourists – (50%) preferred trips lasting 8-
14 days.
Expenditure: Experienced eco-tourists were willing to spend more than general tourists, the
largest group (26%).
Important elements of trip: Experienced eco-tourists top three responses were: (a) wilderness
setting, (b) wildlife viewing, (c) hiking/trekking.
Motivations for taking next trip: Experienced eco-tourists top two responses were (a) enjoy
scenery/nature, (b) new experiences/places.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. 1x10
1. In the line “……… recognised as the benchmark “, the word ‘benchmark’ DOES NOT
refer to:
(a) A basis for something.
(b) The criterion required.
(c) The ability to launch something new.
(d) A standard point of reference.
2. The World Tourism Organisation of the UN, in an observation, shared that:
(a) Emerging economies of the world will gain 57% of their annual profits from
International tourists.
(b) Countries with upcoming economies shall see maximum tourist footfall from all
over the world in the next decade.
(c) A large number of international tourists in 2030 will be from developing
countries.
 (d) Barely any tourist in the next decade shall travel from an economically strong
nation to a weak one.
3. One of the elements that is important to eco-tourists on trip is:
(a) Wild and untouched surroundings.
(b) Cultural exchange.
(c) Car and bus rides.
(d) Fully furnished flats.
4. Choose the option that lists the correct answers for the following:
1. Asha Mathew, an NRI, loves animals and wishes to travel to places that safeguard
their rights and inculcate awareness of their rights. What kind of tourist is she?
2. Gurdeep Singh from UK is an environmental scientist and has always chosen to travel
to places that are examples of a symbiotic relationship between man and nature. What
kind of tourist is he?
(a) (1) is an eco-tourist and (2) is a geo-tourist.
(b) (1) is an ethical tourist and (2) is a geo-tourist.
(c) (1) is a sustainable tourist and (2) is a Pro-Poor tourist.
(d) (1) is a geo-tourist and (2) is a Pro-Poor tourist.
5. Based on the understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the inherent
qualities of geo tourism.

1. Showcases adventure sports 2. Promotes landscape appreciations

3. Promises luxurious travel 4. Includes being environmentally
responsible
5. Believes in commercializing 6. Initiates donations for the
forests underprivileged

(a) 1&2. (b) 5&6

(c) 2&4. (d) 3&5
6. In the market profile of an eco- tourist, the information on gender indicates that:
(a) Female eco-tourists were more than the male eco-tourists.
(b) The activity preferences were varied in females and males.
(c) The choice of things to do on a trip were quite similar for both the genders.
(d) Male eco-tourists were frequent travellers.
7. The education aspect in the market profile of the eco-tourist revealed that:
(a) Mainstream market trends were popular with undergraduates.
(b) Eco-tourists were only those who had basic education.
(c) Mainstream markets were popular tourist destinations for educated eco-tourists.
(d) Eco-tourism was no more limited to the small group of highly educated travellers.
8. According to the survey conducted by the Travel Bureau, the total percentage of
experienced eco-tourists who DID NOT prefer to travel alone was:
(a) 60%. (b) 75%
(c) 15% (d) 13%
 9. According to the survey, one of the most powerful driving forces leading experienced
eco-tourism to invest in new trips was:
(a) Settling up work stations in new places.
(b) The chance to go camping in the wild.
(c) Competing with other eco-tourists as frequent travellers.
(d) The opportunity to travel to new places.
10. Choose the option that lists statement that is NOT TRUE.
(a) Economically backward countries will benefit from sustainable tourism.
(b) The tourism business currently recognizes sustainability as an important factor.
(c) Emerging economies will receive negligible international tourists in the near
future.
(d) The sustainability factor in tourism is a significant means for development.
III. Section B : GRAMMAR
Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10
1.Fill in the blank given below by choosing the correct option.
She had already begun eating her dinner by the time I …………. there.
(a) reached. (b) had reached
(c) was reaching. (d) had been reaching
2.Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line.
Raj has fractured his arm, still he ………….. write.
(a) may. (b) should
(c) can. (d) would
3.Read the sentence given below then choose the option that shows the correct
transformation of the sentence.
Mohini said, “ I have decided to rent the shop”.
(a) Mohini said that she has decided to rent the shop.
(b) Mohini said that I had decided to rent the shop.
(c) Mohini said that she had decided to rent the shop.
(d) Mohini said that she decided to rent the shop.
4.Fill in the given blank by choosing the correct option.
He will fly ………. Madras.
(a) in. (b) on. (c) to. (d) after.
5.Choose the correct option to fill in the blank given below.
The modern student …………….. the importance of physical exercise.
(a) understood. (b) understand
(c) have understand (d) understands
6.Select the correct option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the
following line.
Spending time for their kids bring immediate as well as long lasting gain for the parents.

Option Error Correction

(a) for with
(b) bring brings
(c) lasting last
(d) the a

7.Read the conversation given below carefully then choose the correct option to fill in the
blanks.
Interviewer: Was shooting in Kashmir challenging?
Santosh : Filming in any place is difficult, but in Kashmir it was even more difficult.
The interviewer asked Santosh if the shooting had been challenging in Kashmir. Santosh replied
that filming ,……………….. but in Kashmir …………….. even more difficult.
(a) in any place was difficult, it had been
(b) in any place had been difficult, it was
(c) in any place is difficult, it has been
(d) in any place has been difficult, it is
8.Identify the error in the given line and supply the correction for it.
Tourism is one of the biggest businesses in the world generating on least 288 million jobs.

Error Correction

9.Read the conversation between Rajeev and his dad given below and complete the
sentence.
Rajeev: Dad, will you gift me a laptop?
Dad : Not now. Wait till your class 12 board results.
Rajeev asked his dad ……………………. . Negating, Dad asked Rajeev to wait till his class 12
board results.
10.Fill in the given blank with the suitable option.
Harish sent his story to ……….. magazines for publishing.
(a) much. (b) any
(c) many. (d) no
11.Fill in the given blank with the correct form of the verb given in bracket.
I ………….. (think) you are new to this place.
12.Fill in the given blank by choosing the correct option.
The officer……………. the soldiers to move ahead.
(i) requested (ii) commanded
(iii) ordered. (iv) warned
(a) (i) & (ii). (b) (i) & (iii)
(c) (ii) & (iv). (d) (ii) & (iii)

IV. Section B: CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 10

1 Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5
A You are Sameer , student of Class X , Vadodara, Gujarat. You come across the following
information on a local library’s notice board.

Create Your Own Board Game Competition

Create an educational board game,

and send it to us at
Mumbai
by July 2022.
The top 10 winning board games will be featured on
Our international portal.
Attractive scholarships for the winners!
You wish to participate but require more information. Write a letter to Teen- Toggle Games Pvt.
Ltd. In about 100 - 120 words, enquiring about rules, scholarship details and deadlines. Also
enquire about specifications for solo or group entries.
OR
B Increase in the number of private vehicles coupled with lack of civic sense has led to several
road accidents in your city. Write a letter in 100-120 words to the editor of a local daily urging
people to use public transport and to have patience while driving. You are Hema/Hemant, 14/9,
Hill Apartments, Jaipur.

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

A A survey was conducted on the population of Rhinoceros unicorn in between 1910 to 2005.
Interpret the line graph given below in about 100 - 120 words.

OR
B Look at the data given below which shows the changes that have occurred between 1995 to
2010 in Bilaspur regarding women education. Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words to
record the changes by interpreting this data.
Female Education in Bilaspur 1995 2010
1 No. of Girl's school 10 13
2 No. of women colleges 3 4
3 No. of students in school 10,000 16,000
4 No. of students in colleges 6000 10,000
5 Literacy Rate 30% 55%
6 Distance Education Centres Nil 03

Section C: LITERATURE 40 Marks

V. Reference to the Context. 10
1 Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 5
1.A.“Day after day she watched the bus and gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew
there: she wanted to ride on that bus, even if it was just once. This wish became stronger, until it
was an overwhelming desire. Valli would stare wistfully at the people who got on and off the bus
when it stood at the street corner. Their faces would kindle in her longings, dreams and hopes. If
one of her friends happened to ride the bus and tried to describe the sights of the town to her,
Valli would be jealous to listen and would shout, in English: “Proud! Proud!”
1 Valli would stare wistfully at the people as she
(a) had been watching the bus for a long time.
(b) was inspired by the people travelling on the bus.
(c) had a strong desire to take a ride on the bus.
(d) envied the people who could travel on the bus.
2 Pick the option that shows the list of words that collocate with ‘overwhelming’.
(e.g, overwhelming desire)
(i) response (ii) lies
(iii) support (iv) majority
(v) pets (vi) places
(a) i, v & vi (b) i, iii & iv
(c) ii & v (d) iii, v & vi
3 ‘ Valli would be jealous to listen………….’. This indicates Valli’s:
(a) longing to ride the bus.
(b) nature as an envious person.
(c) denial to accept her situation.
(d) inclination to trouble travelers.
4 A part of the extract has been paraphrased. Choose the option that includes the most
appropriate solution to the blanks.
The desire became so (i) …………. that it transformed into an (b) …… one. Valli would look
(iii) ………….. at people who boarded the bus and got off.
(a) (i) active (ii) overt (iii) longingly
(b) (i) vigorous (ii) overpowering (iii) cheerfully
(c) (i) staunch (ii) overt (iii) joyfully
(d) (i) vigorous (ii) overpowering (iii) longingly
5 What does the line ‘gradually a tiny wish crept into her head and grew there’, mean?
(a) The wish developed in her head over a period of time.
(b) The wish was a feeling of wanting to prove her strength.
(c) The wish was planted in her head by someone’s suggestion.
(d) The wish was small and was overpowered by a sense of doubt.
OR
1.B. But, please, Stephen Stepanovitch, how can they be yours? Do be a reasonable man. My
aunt’s grandmother gave the meadows for the temporary and free use of your grandfather’s
peasants. The peasants used the land for forty years and got accustomed to it as if it was their
own, when it happened that ………. .
1 Who is the speaker of the above lines?
2 Why did his aunt’s grandmother give the meadows?
(a) For temporary and free use.
(b) In return for making bricks for her.
(c) In charity.
(d) Both (a) and (b) are correct.
3 Why did the peasants treat the land as their own?
(a) It was their own land.
(b) They had used it for forty years.
(c) They had got accustomed to it as their own.
(d) Both (b) and (c) are correct.
4 What light do these lines throw on the speaker’s character? He is ……… .
(a) logical (b) rational
(c) polite (d) All the above
5 Find the synonym of ‘Sensible’ from the above passage.
2 Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 5
2.A. 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.
1 What can be the cause of world’s destruction as per these lines?
2 According to the poet, fire refers to …………….. .
(a) violent desires (b) passions
(c) jealousy (d) all of these.
3 What does ‘ice’ symbolise?
(a) Indifference (b) Love
(c) Sympathy (d) Passion
4 What message does the poet want to convey through this poem?
(a) Everything is transitory.
(b) Life is unpredictable.
(c) Death is inevitable.
(d) Both (a) and (c) are correct.
5 What is the rhyme scheme of the extract?
OR

2.B. There is a languid, emerald sea,

 where the sole inhabitant is me –
a mermaid, drifting blissfully.
1 Who do these lines refer to?
2 Why is this stanza given within brackets?
(a) To show inner thoughts of mother.
(b) Day dreaming by Amanda.
(c) To show the contrast.
(d) Both (b) and (c).
3 Give the word from the stanza which means “free flowing act of going with motion and force”.
4 Why does Amanda want to be sole inhabitant of sea?
(a) Away from noise
(b) Away from mother
(c) Away from this noisy and disturbing atmosphere
(d) Away from everyone
5 Which poetic device is used in line 1?
(a) simile (b) Metaphor
(c) Alliteration (d) Personification
VI. Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each. 4x3 =12
1 What happened when the young seagull dived at the fish picked up by his mother?
2 How is the Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery recognized in modern India?
3 Kisa Gautami realizes that life and death is a normal process. Justify the statement by citing
examples from the story.
4 The poem ‘Dust of Snow’ evokes a sense of black and white. How?
5 Write the appropriate response comprising of at least two reasons to present a counter to the
following:
“Zoo should be banned. It’s not right to keep animals this way”. (A Tiger In The Zoo)
VII. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40 – 50 words each. 2x3 = 6
1 Ebright’s mother was a companion to him. Her being a companion to him helped him become
a scientist. Justify.
2 Mr. Loisel over – pampered his wife and readily accepted her demands. Do you agree with this
statement? Give reasons to support the answer.
3 Do you think Bholi could refuse to marry Bishamber only because she was educated? Give
reasons.
VIII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100 – 120 words. 1x6 = 6
1 Lencho had faith in God but lacked faith in humans. Do you agree with this statement? Justify
by citing suitable examples from the story ‘A Letter to God’.
OR
2 ‘Being free’ has a completely different meaning for Nelson Mandela as a boy and as a student.
Support your answer with suitable examples from the lesson.
IX. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100 – 120 words. 1x6 = 6
1 Education means different things to different people. Evaluate how it impacted the young thief
in the story ‘The Thief’s Story’.
OR
2 Anger and revenge are in no way a solution to any problem. Elaborate with reference to the
story ‘Footprints Without Feet’.