CBSE English Communicative Past Year Paper SA-2: Set 1 (2016) | Past Year Papers for Class 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


  [P.T.O. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT-II 
ENGLISH 
(Communicative) 
Time allowed : 3 hours    Maximum marks : 70 
 
General Instructions : 
(i) The question paper is divided into three sections :  
 Section A : Reading 20 marks 
 Section B : Writing & Grammar 25 marks 
 Section C : Literature 25 marks 
(ii) All questions are compulsory. 
(iii) You may attempt any section at a time. 
(iv) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in 
the correct order. 
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 printed pages. 
• Code number given on the right hand side of the question paper should be 
written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.  
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions. 
• Please write down the Serial Number of the question before attempting 
it. 
• 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question 
paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the 
students will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on 
the answer-book during this period. 
Candidates must write the Code on 
the title page of the answer-book. 
Series JSR/1 
1/1/1 
Code No.  
Roll No. 
Set 1 
Page 2


  [P.T.O. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT-II 
ENGLISH 
(Communicative) 
Time allowed : 3 hours    Maximum marks : 70 
 
General Instructions : 
(i) The question paper is divided into three sections :  
 Section A : Reading 20 marks 
 Section B : Writing & Grammar 25 marks 
 Section C : Literature 25 marks 
(ii) All questions are compulsory. 
(iii) You may attempt any section at a time. 
(iv) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in 
the correct order. 
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 printed pages. 
• Code number given on the right hand side of the question paper should be 
written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.  
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions. 
• Please write down the Serial Number of the question before attempting 
it. 
• 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question 
paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the 
students will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on 
the answer-book during this period. 
Candidates must write the Code on 
the title page of the answer-book. 
Series JSR/1 
1/1/1 
Code No.  
Roll No. 
Set 1 
1/1/1   2
Section-A 
      (Reading)  20 marks  
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that  
follow :  1×8=8 
 One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the 
invention of computers. They are widely used in industries and in 
universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where 
computers have not been pressed into service of man. We are 
heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part 
of man’s daily life as a telephone or a calculator. 
 Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all 
branches of learning. They can solve the most complex 
mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. 
These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can 
provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This 
whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has 
been called ‘automation.’ In the future automation may enable 
human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The 
coming of automation is bound to have important social 
consequences. 
 Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed 
out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could 
‘think.’ There is no possibility that human beings will be 
Page 3


  [P.T.O. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT-II 
ENGLISH 
(Communicative) 
Time allowed : 3 hours    Maximum marks : 70 
 
General Instructions : 
(i) The question paper is divided into three sections :  
 Section A : Reading 20 marks 
 Section B : Writing & Grammar 25 marks 
 Section C : Literature 25 marks 
(ii) All questions are compulsory. 
(iii) You may attempt any section at a time. 
(iv) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in 
the correct order. 
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 printed pages. 
• Code number given on the right hand side of the question paper should be 
written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.  
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions. 
• Please write down the Serial Number of the question before attempting 
it. 
• 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question 
paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the 
students will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on 
the answer-book during this period. 
Candidates must write the Code on 
the title page of the answer-book. 
Series JSR/1 
1/1/1 
Code No.  
Roll No. 
Set 1 
1/1/1   2
Section-A 
      (Reading)  20 marks  
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that  
follow :  1×8=8 
 One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the 
invention of computers. They are widely used in industries and in 
universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where 
computers have not been pressed into service of man. We are 
heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part 
of man’s daily life as a telephone or a calculator. 
 Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all 
branches of learning. They can solve the most complex 
mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. 
These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can 
provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This 
whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has 
been called ‘automation.’ In the future automation may enable 
human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The 
coming of automation is bound to have important social 
consequences. 
 Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed 
out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could 
‘think.’ There is no possibility that human beings will be 
 
1/1/1   [P.T.O. 3
“controlled by machines.” Though computers are capable of 
learning from their mistakes and improving on their performance, 
they need detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They 
can never, as it were, lead independent lives or “rule the world” by 
making decisions of their own. 
 Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which 
would be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people 
would then be able to use them to obtain valuable information. 
Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used 
like radios. For instance, people going on holiday could be 
informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given 
alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It will also be 
possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people 
who do not share a common language to talk to each other without 
any difficulty or to read foreign publications. 
 (a) What is the greatest advancement in modern technology? 1 
 (b) What complicated works are computers capable of  
doing? 1 
 (c) Write one use of computers. 1 
 (d) Explain automation? 1 
 (e) Why can’t computers lead independent lives or rule the 
world? 1 
 (f) How would computers as translating machines help people? 1  
Page 4


  [P.T.O. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT-II 
ENGLISH 
(Communicative) 
Time allowed : 3 hours    Maximum marks : 70 
 
General Instructions : 
(i) The question paper is divided into three sections :  
 Section A : Reading 20 marks 
 Section B : Writing & Grammar 25 marks 
 Section C : Literature 25 marks 
(ii) All questions are compulsory. 
(iii) You may attempt any section at a time. 
(iv) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in 
the correct order. 
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 printed pages. 
• Code number given on the right hand side of the question paper should be 
written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.  
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions. 
• Please write down the Serial Number of the question before attempting 
it. 
• 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question 
paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the 
students will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on 
the answer-book during this period. 
Candidates must write the Code on 
the title page of the answer-book. 
Series JSR/1 
1/1/1 
Code No.  
Roll No. 
Set 1 
1/1/1   2
Section-A 
      (Reading)  20 marks  
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that  
follow :  1×8=8 
 One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the 
invention of computers. They are widely used in industries and in 
universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where 
computers have not been pressed into service of man. We are 
heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part 
of man’s daily life as a telephone or a calculator. 
 Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all 
branches of learning. They can solve the most complex 
mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. 
These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can 
provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This 
whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has 
been called ‘automation.’ In the future automation may enable 
human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The 
coming of automation is bound to have important social 
consequences. 
 Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed 
out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could 
‘think.’ There is no possibility that human beings will be 
 
1/1/1   [P.T.O. 3
“controlled by machines.” Though computers are capable of 
learning from their mistakes and improving on their performance, 
they need detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They 
can never, as it were, lead independent lives or “rule the world” by 
making decisions of their own. 
 Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which 
would be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people 
would then be able to use them to obtain valuable information. 
Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used 
like radios. For instance, people going on holiday could be 
informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given 
alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It will also be 
possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people 
who do not share a common language to talk to each other without 
any difficulty or to read foreign publications. 
 (a) What is the greatest advancement in modern technology? 1 
 (b) What complicated works are computers capable of  
doing? 1 
 (c) Write one use of computers. 1 
 (d) Explain automation? 1 
 (e) Why can’t computers lead independent lives or rule the 
world? 1 
 (f) How would computers as translating machines help people? 1  
1/1/1   4
 (g) What was the prediction of Sir Leon about computers in 
future? 1 
 (h) How can computers help people going on holiday? 1 
2 Read the passage given below. 12 
 Why does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in  
over assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess 
their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their 
control. 
 Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say 
that the word ‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The 
overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This 
proved to be a big disaster. 
 Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, 
endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any 
achievement is a result of two factors-one’s personal planning and 
support from the external world. People, take into account only 
their planning, generally ignoring external factors. They become 
unable to foresee future developments. Hence, the great risk of 
failure. 
 Then there is the question : how can one manage overconfidence? 
The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the 
matter with other informed people with an objective mind and 
when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept 
reality and say without delay, “I was wrong.” 
Page 5


  [P.T.O. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT-II 
ENGLISH 
(Communicative) 
Time allowed : 3 hours    Maximum marks : 70 
 
General Instructions : 
(i) The question paper is divided into three sections :  
 Section A : Reading 20 marks 
 Section B : Writing & Grammar 25 marks 
 Section C : Literature 25 marks 
(ii) All questions are compulsory. 
(iii) You may attempt any section at a time. 
(iv) All questions of that particular section must be attempted in 
the correct order. 
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 printed pages. 
• Code number given on the right hand side of the question paper should be 
written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.  
• Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions. 
• Please write down the Serial Number of the question before attempting 
it. 
• 15 minute time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question 
paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the 
students will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on 
the answer-book during this period. 
Candidates must write the Code on 
the title page of the answer-book. 
Series JSR/1 
1/1/1 
Code No.  
Roll No. 
Set 1 
1/1/1   2
Section-A 
      (Reading)  20 marks  
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that  
follow :  1×8=8 
 One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the 
invention of computers. They are widely used in industries and in 
universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where 
computers have not been pressed into service of man. We are 
heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part 
of man’s daily life as a telephone or a calculator. 
 Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all 
branches of learning. They can solve the most complex 
mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. 
These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can 
provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This 
whole process by which machines can be used to work for us has 
been called ‘automation.’ In the future automation may enable 
human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The 
coming of automation is bound to have important social 
consequences. 
 Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed 
out that it was a mistake to believe that these machines could 
‘think.’ There is no possibility that human beings will be 
 
1/1/1   [P.T.O. 3
“controlled by machines.” Though computers are capable of 
learning from their mistakes and improving on their performance, 
they need detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They 
can never, as it were, lead independent lives or “rule the world” by 
making decisions of their own. 
 Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which 
would be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people 
would then be able to use them to obtain valuable information. 
Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used 
like radios. For instance, people going on holiday could be 
informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given 
alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It will also be 
possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people 
who do not share a common language to talk to each other without 
any difficulty or to read foreign publications. 
 (a) What is the greatest advancement in modern technology? 1 
 (b) What complicated works are computers capable of  
doing? 1 
 (c) Write one use of computers. 1 
 (d) Explain automation? 1 
 (e) Why can’t computers lead independent lives or rule the 
world? 1 
 (f) How would computers as translating machines help people? 1  
1/1/1   4
 (g) What was the prediction of Sir Leon about computers in 
future? 1 
 (h) How can computers help people going on holiday? 1 
2 Read the passage given below. 12 
 Why does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in  
over assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess 
their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their 
control. 
 Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say 
that the word ‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The 
overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This 
proved to be a big disaster. 
 Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, 
endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any 
achievement is a result of two factors-one’s personal planning and 
support from the external world. People, take into account only 
their planning, generally ignoring external factors. They become 
unable to foresee future developments. Hence, the great risk of 
failure. 
 Then there is the question : how can one manage overconfidence? 
The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the 
matter with other informed people with an objective mind and 
when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept 
reality and say without delay, “I was wrong.” 
 
1/1/1   [P.T.O. 5
 Overconfidence is a flaw characterizing people who lack the virtue 
of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person 
who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; 
before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt 
a realistic approach. 
 Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know 
themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own 
cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This 
kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned. 
 There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man 
sees the exception, with a slight change, I would like to say that the 
overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees 
the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said 
that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated otherwise it 
becomes very dangerous. 
2.1 Answer the following questions : 2×4=8 
 (a) Why does a person become overconfident?  
 (b) What does overconfidence generally lead people into?  
 (c) How can one manage overconfidence?  
 (d) What kind of person does ‘modesty’ make you?