DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL, JAMMU

HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION

SESSION (2023-2024)
CLASS X MM:80
SUBJECT ENGLISH
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1. The paper is divided into three sections:
Section A: Reading (20Marks)
Section B: Grammar& Writing (20 Marks)
Section C: Literature (40 Marks)
2. All questions are compulsory.
3. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.
4. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION-A (READING SKILLS) (10 Marks)

Q1. l. Read the passage given below.
Read the following passage:
The smartphone has become an integral part of our daily lives. From communication to
navigation, entertainment to productivity, it offers a wide range of functions. However, its
convenience comes at a price. The constant connectivity it provides can lead to addiction,
causing individuals to spend more time staring at screens than interacting with the real world.
2.A study conducted in 2021 revealed that the average person spends over 3 hours per day on
their smartphone. This excessive screen time can lead to various health issues, including
digital eye strain, poor posture, and disrupted sleep patterns. Moreover, smartphone addiction
can have a negative impact on mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety and loneliness.
3.Despite these drawbacks, smartphones have also brought numerous benefits. They facilitate
instant communication with loved ones, provide access to a wealth of information, and enable
remote work and learning. In today's fast-paced world, they have become indispensable tools
for many.
4.A study conducted in 2021 revealed that the average person spends over 3 hours per day on
their smartphone. This excessive screen time can lead to various health issues, including
digital eye strain, poor posture, and disrupted sleep patterns. Moreover, smartphone addiction
can have a negative impact on mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety and lonliness.
5.Despite these drawbacks, smartphones have also brought numerous benefits. They facilitate
instant communication with loved ones, provide access to a wealth of information, and enable
remote work and learning. In today's fast-paced world, they have become indispensable tools
for many.
On the basis of your reading answer the following questions:
I. Why does the passage highlight the drawbacks of smartphone usage? (Paragraph 1) (1)
A. To promote smartphone addiction.
B. To emphasize the convenience of smartphones.
C. To warn about the negative consequences of excessive smartphone use.
D. To encourage more screen time.
II. Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below: (1)
"However, its convenience comes at a price." (Paragraph 1)
A. The faster the car, the safer the ride.
B. The more you eat, the healthier you become.
C. The bigger the house, the cheaper the rent.
D. The greater the convenience, the higher the cost.
III. Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the following(1)
"In today's fast-paced world, they have become indispensable tools for many." (Paragraph 3)
A. Nostalgia for simpler times.
B. Recognition of smartphones' importance in modern life.
C. A call to abandon smartphones.
D. Disapproval of technological .

IV. Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 1. (1)

“The constant connectivity it provides can lead to ________."

V. The writer compares smartphone addiction to what in the line "The constant connectivity it
provides can lead to addiction." (Paragraph 1) (1)
State 1 point of similarity between smartphone addiction and the compared entity.
VI. What is the potential health issue mentioned in paragraph 2 that can result from excessive
smartphone use? (30-40 words) (2)
VII. The passage mentions that smartphone addiction can lead to feelings of anxiety and
loneliness because...................... . (1)
VIII. Supply 2 point to justify the following: (30-40 words) (2)
"Despite these drawbacks, smartphones have also brought numerous benefits." (Paragraph 3)
Q2. Read the following passage : 10 MARKS
1. The rise of e-books and digital reading platforms has transformed the publishing industry.
Traditional printed books now coexist with their digital counterparts, and this shift has
significant implications for readers and authors alike.
2. E-books offer convenience and portability, allowing readers to carry an entire library on a
single device. This accessibility has expanded reading opportunities for people worldwide.
3. A recent survey aimed to understand readers' preferences and habits in the digital age.
Table 1 presents the responses of 600 participants:
Table 1 - Total number of participants: 600
Statement Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree
1.Prefer reading 245 210 85 40 20
printed books
2.enjoy the 310 210 45 20 15
convenience of e-3
3.read more books 280 220 60 25 15
since using e-books
|
4.still visit physical 180 250 100 40 30
bookstores
5. believe e-books 150 140 160 90 60
are more eco-
friendly|

4. The survey findings suggest that while many readers appreciate the convenience of e-
books, a significant portion still prefers printed books and values the experience of visiting
physical bookstores.
I. What transformation has occurred in the publishing industry due to the rise of e-books, as
mentioned in paragraph (1)? (Answer in 1-2 sentences) (1)
ii. According to Table 1, which survey statement received the highest number of "Strongly
agree" responses, and what does this reveal about readers' preferences? (Answer in 1
sentence) (1)
iii. Based on the survey's findings in paragraph (4), what key insight can be drawn regarding
readers' attitudes toward e-books and printed books? (1)

iv. If you were a publisher looking to cater to a wide readership, which survey statement's
results in Table 1 would you find most informative, and why? (Answer in 1-2 sentences)(1)
V. In paragraph (2), what does the word "portability" mean? (1)
A. The quality of being heavy and difficult to move.
B. The ability to be easily carried or transported.
C. The act of reading in a specific location.
 D. The preference for traditional books over digital ones.
vi. In paragraph (4), what does the term "eco-friendly" refer to?(1)
A. Reading habits that are friendly towards the environment.
B. The tendency to read books while outdoors.
C. E-books that are more technologically advanced.
D. The promotion of physical bookstores.
vii. Based on the passage, how might the rise of e-books impact the traditional publishing
industry? (2)
viii. Considering the survey results and the preferences of readers, what recommendations
could be made to publishers in order to adapt to the changing landscape of book
consumption? (2)

SECTION B : WRITING SKILL&GRAMMAR

Q3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as

directed: (10)
i. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given
portion of a letter:
Dear Sir
This is with reference to committee’s letter of recommendation that ________
(highlight) the nominations for ‘Safe Residential Area’ award for this current year.

ii. Read the given sentence from a recipe review article. Identify the error and supply the
correction in the sentence.
This delightful recipe must keep your hunger pangs at bay with its balanced spices
and oriental flavour.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction
… …… ………..

iii. Abhilash and Neha had a conversation about the inauguration of Neha’s Dance Academy.
Report Abhilash’s question.
Is your best friend helping you in this venture?
iv. Read the dialogue between Shabnam and her mentor, Sara, regarding her summer
internship programme.
Sara: Why did you choose to participate in this internship programme?
Shabnam: Ah! I am convinced this programme has the potential to enhance my abilities.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
Sara asked Shabnam _________________________________ in that internship
programme.
Shabnam sighed and exclaimed that she was convinced that programme had the
potential to enhance her abilities.
A. why to choose to participate
B. to choose participation
C. about her choice to participate
D. with her choice in participating
v. Fill the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the concluding line of an issued
circular by an Organisation, to its Managers.
A copy of the plan is enclosed and __________ (that/ then/ this) may be communicated to all
Team Leaders for compliance.
vi. Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence from a commercial
company’s current marketing strategy.
The company aimed at increasing authority in areas frequently visited by the clients.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction
… …… ………..

Vii. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the closing line,
from an analytical report.
In conclusion, this study explores the association among short-sleep pattern and overweight
youngsters.

viii. Complete the given narrative, by filling the blank with the correct option.
The experience of nursing an injured bird left me _____________ grateful for
knowing the
 importance of being kind and compassionate to all creatures.
A. feeling
B. having felt
C. felt
D. feels

ix. Report the dialogue between a vendor and his customer, by completing the sentence:
Vendor: It is nice to see you, Sir!
Customer: Yes, indeed! Unlike last month, I have been away for quite some time this
month.
The vendor greeted his customer respectfully and mentioned that he was pleased to
see him.
The customer answered in the affirmative and explained that
______________________

x. Fill the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the live feed on a school news
channel.
Congratulations Change Makers!
The regional competition awards have been announced and our school music club
___________ the first prize.
A. had been won
B. will win
C. was winning
D. has won
xi. Complete the line from a self- awareness song, by filling the blank with the correct option.

The river runs through your veins

The trees and mountains ______ your name
The moon and stars watch over
You’re guiding your way back home
To dream the night away.
 A. will call
B. call
C. had called
D. calls

xii. Identify the error and supply correction for the following note in a passengers’ flight
instructions manual:
Note- Passengers will not reach the airport late in order to
avoid a fine equivalent to 5% of the basic fare

Use following format to answer:

Error Correction

WRITING
Q4. Attempt any one (5)
A You are Kanika / Karun of 214, sector 19, Chandigarh, awaiting your class X results.
Meanwhile you would like to do a short–term course in French language. Write a letter to the
Director, French institute, PU, Chandigarh inquiring about the details about the course.
B. You are Chahat / Chetan, an IT Professional. You want to raise awareness about the rising
incidences of cyber crimes. Write a letter to the editor of Cyber magazine “Info news”,
highlighting the issue and suggesting measures to prevent such happenings.
Format 1
Content- 2
Expression 2

Q5 . Attempt any one: (5)

A. Below is a graph given showing birth and death rates in a country from 1901 to
2101. Write an analytical paragraph (100-150 words).
 OR
B. The chart shows the division of household tasks by gender in Great Britain.
Write an analytical paragraph describing the chart given in not more than 200
words.

Introduction and conclusion 1

 Content- data interpretation 2
Expression 2

SECTION D : LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING

TEXT ( 40 marks)

Q6. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow: (5)
It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion, when I
discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to
hunger for it. At first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedoms of
being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a young
man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms...
I.What is the basic and honourable freedom?
II.Why do you think the speaker mentions some freedoms as ‘transitory’?
III.Nelson Mandela yearned for freedom for himself only.(true/false)
IV.. The speaker says, ‘at first as a student I wanted freedom only for myself.’ Why do you
think he only thought about himself?
a) He didn’t want to think about the freedom denied to others
b) He was being selfish and was only bothered about himself
c) He didn’t think that freedom denied to him was important for others
d) He was too young to realise that freedom was denied to others as well.

OR
In the end Jaffers was knocked unconscious as he made a last hold on to the unseen scientist
.There were nervous , excited cries of “ Hold him ! “ .But this was easier said than done
.Griffin had shaken himself free , and no one knew where to lay hands on .

I . Why was it difficult to hold him ?

(A) He was transparent
(B) He was partially visible
(C) He had muddy clothes on
(D) He had a pistol in his hand
II. There was a frisson of excitement in the crowd. (True/false)
III . Jaffers was ……..
IV. . Why was this easier said than done ?

Q7. Read the given extract and answer the questions :( 5 marks )

A. Sliding through the long grass

 Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass .

I. The tiger here is visualized in a forest. (True/false)

II . The tiger hides in the long grass to …………. .

(A) Escape being caught
(B) Frighten the villagers
(C) Hunt his prey
(D) Rest
III . The figure of speech in line 1 is ……… .
IV . Why should he hide ?
OR

B. What, what is he to do? I saw it go

Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over – there it is in the water!
I . ‘what , what is he to do?’ What does this Expression denote
II. Where did the ball go?
III . Which poetic device is used in line 2?
IV .The poem “The Ball Poem” is written by ……..

(A) Leslie Norris

(B) Robin Klein
(C) John Berryman
(D) Robert Frost

Q8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words: (3×4=12)

I.Justify the opinion that the traditional baker and his bread play a significant role in the
cultural and social fabric of Goan society. (Glimpses of India-I)

Value points: every cultural event , family function , parties, marriage occasions are celebrated with
different kinds of breads.

The traditional baker and his bread hold immense cultural significance in Goan society, symbolizing
heritage and daily sustenance.

Their craft and products unite communities, preserving traditions.

II. How does Leslie Norris use vivid imagery and metaphorical language in -A TIGER IN THE ZOO to
effectively depict the confinement and oppression, experienced by a captive tiger.

Value points: Contrast between tiger in the cage and tiger in the natural habitat

Use of words...pads of velvet quiet, Snarling around houses,quiet rage

Use of images of forest, tiger’s captivity and brilliant stars etc.

III. Explain how the description of the devastation caused by the hailstorm reflects theSadness
within Lencho in “A letter to God” refer to the given line from the text .
Not a leaf remained on the trees the corn was totally destroyed from the plants . Lencho’s
soul was filled with sadness .

Value points: Sense of emptiness and loss......Destruction of corn which was only source of
livelihood.....Emptiness and desolation of landscape reflects sadness and emptiness of his life.

IV.Kitty was a trusted friend to Anne .Elaborate.

Value points: Anne trusted and poured her heart on it........ Anne unburdened herself by
writing her thoughts...She felt a sense of security that she was not being judged by diary.

V. How does poem “Amanda” challenge the notion that parents should give space and
freedom to children ?

Value points:Too much strict parents instruct every action they hinder their space ......children
feel bound in their instructions.......They start taking their parents far granted.

Q9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words(3×2=6)

I.The story , ATriumph of Surgery is a powerful example of the importance of saying

“no". Explain.

Value points: Mrs. Pumphrey should have said no to Tricki’s over feeding...... Tricki had
become victim of over feeding and over love because Mrs. Pumphrey couldn’t say -no.

II. How did Anil’s trust transformed Hari Singh?

Value points: couldn’t board the train after leaving Anil’s house and stealing his
money....Acknowledged trust and selflessness of Anil.......Could not break the trust of Anil

III. Why did Griffin burn his landlord’s house?

Value points: Griffin was short tempered........ Could not pay the rent......landlord evicted
him from house...burnt the house in rage.

Q10. Answer ANY One of the following three questions, in about 100-120words: (6)
A. You have been asked to present an evaluation of the approaches of the mothers of both,
the baby seagull and Amanda, towards helping their children. Write this presentation draft
including your insights, in about 120 words, comparing the approaches of both parents.

Value points: Mother of seagull...taught by giving experience....

tough love approach ......caring ....want him to learn life skills without
which he can do nothing. Found the plan that worked...

Amanda’s mother....taught by instructing.....over caring approach

....always scolding and worried about her habits...want her to be
perfect.
 Both the mothers ....teaching life skills to lead their children to fit in
life.

B.How has the poet used humour and satire to explain wild animals in the poem – How to
tell wild animals?

Value points: poet uses satirical phrases for each wild animal..

Like..tawny wild beast for lion........Tiger is recognized if ..,,’he eats

you”

in front of Leopard ..... it will do no good to roar with pain,

bear's hug is compared with caress(gentle hug)..hyena's

smiles..crocodile tears ....... nothingness for chameleon's
presence.....etc.

Q11 Answer ANY One of the following three questions, in about 100-120words: (6)

A.“Looks can be deceptive.” Evaluate Ausable's character on the basis of this

Expression.

Value points: physical appearance ...fat ..short height...

Normally dressed

Office ... room with darkness and dampness...doesn’t look like detective...No
personal secretary
but witty and intelligent ...great presence of mind.....concocted false story of
balcony...Trapped Max ....and killed him without gun and moving from his place.

B. Imagine you are Horace Danby . Write a diary entry of the day when police had
caught you for the theft where actual culprit was the lady in red dress.

Value points: start with format of diary entry and explain about Horace
Danby in first person.

Over Confident......confused by the presence of the lady ..... Trusted her to be

the owner ......lady was looking so familiar with the dog and the house
hold....Horace removed gloves to lit the cigarette...opened the safe bare
handed...and caught

Answer key of Q 1,2,3 and 5,6

SECTION-A (READING SKILLS)

Q1. I. The passage highlights the drawbacks of smartphone usage to:

C. To warn about the negative consequences of excessive smartphone use.

II. "However, its convenience comes at a price." (Paragraph 1) corresponds to:

D. The greater the convenience, the higher the cost.

III. The writer projects:

B. Recognition of smartphones' importance in modern life.

IV. "The constant connectivity it provides can lead to addiction."

Fill in the blank with a phrase from paragraph 1: "The constant connectivity it provides can lead to
addiction to social media."

V. The writer compares smartphone addiction to what:

The writer compares smartphone addiction to addiction to drugs. One point of similarity is the
negative impact on mental health.

VI. Excessive smartphone use can result in digital eye strain, poor posture, and disrupted sleep
patterns.

VII. Smartphone addiction can lead to feelings of anxiety and loneliness because individuals may
isolate themselves from real-world social interactions.

VIII. Two points to justify the benefits of smartphones:

1. Facilitate instant communication with loved ones.

2. Provide access to a wealth of information.

Q2. E-books offer convenience and portability, allowing readers to carry an entire library on a single
device. This accessibility has expanded reading opportunities for people worldwide.

I. The transformation in the publishing industry due to the rise of e-books is that traditional printed
books now coexist with digital counterparts.
II. According to Table 1, the survey statement that received the highest number of "Strongly agree"
responses is "Prefer reading printed books." This reveals that many readers still prefer printed books.

III. The key insight drawn from the survey's findings is that while many readers appreciate the
convenience of e-books, a significant portion still prefers printed books and values the experience of
visiting physical bookstores.

IV. If you were a publisher looking to cater to a wide readership, the survey statement's results in
Table 1 that you would find most informative is "still visit physical bookstores." This indicates that
physical bookstores still play a significant role in readers' preferences.

V. In paragraph (2), "portability" means: B. The ability to be easily carried or transported.

VI. In paragraph (4), the term "eco-friendly" refers to: A. Reading habits that are friendly towards the
environment.

VII. The rise of e-books might impact the traditional publishing industry by reducing the demand for
printed books and potentially leading to the closure of physical bookstores.

VIII. To adapt to the changing landscape of book consumption, publishers could consider:

1. Offering both digital and printed formats.

2. Investing in online marketing and distribution.

3. Collaborating with digital platforms to reach a broader audience.

SECTION B: WRITING SKILL & GRAMMAR

i. Dear Sir

This is with reference to committee’s letter of recommendation that **highlights** the nominations
for ‘Safe Residential Area’ award for this current year.

ii.must ....... will

iii. Abhilash asked Neha if her best friend was helping her in this venture.

iv. C about her choice to participate

V. A copy of the plan is enclosed and **this** may be communicated to all Team Leaders for
compliance.

vi error: **aimed correction....aims

vii. C among ....between

viii. The experience of nursing an injured bird left me **feeling** grateful for knowing the
importance of being kind and compassionate to all creatures.

ix. The vendor greeted his customer respectfully and mentioned that he was pleased to see him. The
customer answered in the affirmative and explained that **unlike last month, he had been away for
quite some time this month**.

x. Congratulations Change Makers!

The regional competition awards have been announced and our school music club **has won** the
first prize.

xi. The river runs through your veins

The trees and mountains **call** your name

The moon and stars watch over

You’re guiding your way back home

To dream the night away.

xii. Error: Passengers will not reach the airport late in order to avoid **a fine equivalent to 5%** of
the basic fare.

Correction: Passengers should not reach the airport late in order to avoid **a fine equivalent to
5%** of the basic fare.

Q6:

I. The basic and honourable freedom means freedom of being considered as the natives of South
Africa and to be treated with equal respect as whites are treated.

II. The speaker mentions some freedoms as 'transitory' because they are temporary and fleeting,
possibly referring to the freedoms of youth that are often taken for granted.

III. False. Nelson Mandela did not yearn for freedom for himself only. He later sought freedom for
others as well.

IV. The speaker thought about freedom only for himself initially because he was focused on his
immediate desires and needs, like staying out at night and reading what he pleased.

For the multiple-choice question:

The correct answer is (c) He didn't think that freedom denied to him was important for others.

OR
Q6:

I. It was difficult to hold Griffin because he had become invisible due to the experiments he
conducted on himself.

II. True. There was a frisson of excitement in the crowd.

III. Jaffers was knocked unconscious.

IV. This was easier said than done because Griffin had shaken himself free and had become invisible,
making it challenging for anyone to catch him.

Q7:

I. True. The tiger is visualized in a forest.

II. The tiger hides in the long grass to (C) Hunt his prey.

III. The figure of speech in line 1 is "personification."

IV. He should hide to ambush and hunt his prey effectively.

B.

I. The expression "What, what is he to do?" denotes the speaker's frustration or helplessness in a
situation.

II. The ball went into the water.

III. The poetic device used in line 2 is repetition.

IV. The poem "The Ball Poem" is written by (D) Robert Frost.