Class 10 English: CBSE Sample Question Paper- Term I (2021-22) - 4 | CBSE Sample Papers For Class 10 PDF Download

Class-X

General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:

1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections. 
2. Section A-READING has 18 questions. Attempt a total of 14 questions, as per specific instructions for each question. 
3. Section B-WRITING & GRAMMAR has 12 questions. Attempt a total of 10 questions, as per specific instructions for each question. 
4. Section C-LITERATURE has 30 questions. Attempt 26 questions, as per specific instructions for each question. 
5. All questions carry equal marks. 
6. There is no negative marking.

I. Read the passage given below.

1. Have you ever failed at something so miserably that the thought of attempting to do it again was the last thing you ever wanted to do? 
2. If your answer is yes, then you are “not a robot.” Unlike robots, we human beings have feelings, emotions and dreams. We are all meant to grow and stretch despite our circumstances and our limitations. Flourishing and trying to make our dreams come true is great when life is going our way. But what happens when it is not? What happens when you fail despite all of your hard work? Do you stay down and accept the defeat or do you get up again and again until you are satisfied? If you have a tendency to persevere and keep going then you have what the experts call, grit. 
3. Falling down or failing is one of the most agonizing, embarrassing and scariest human experiences. But it is also one of the most educational, empowering and essential part of living a successful and fulfilling life. Did you know that perseverance (grit) is one of the seven qualities that have been described as the keys to personal success and betterment in society? The other six are: curiosity, gratitude, optimism, self-control, social intelligence and zest. Thomas Edison is a model for grit for trying 1,000 plus times to invent the light bulb. If you are reading this with the lights on in your room, you know well that he succeeded. When asked why he kept going despite his hundreds of failures, he merely stated that they were not failures. They were hundreds of ways not to create a light bulb. This statement not only revealed his grit but also his optimism for looking at the bright side. 
4. Grit can be learnt to help you become more successful. One of the techniques that help is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice that helps the individual stay in the moment by bringing awareness of his or her experience without judgement. This practice has been used to quiet the noise of their fears and doubts. Through the simple practice of mindfulness, individuals will have the ability to stop the selfsabotaging downward spiral of hopelessness, despair and frustration. 
5. What did you do to overcome the negative and self-sabotaging feelings of failure? Reflect on what you did and try to use those same powerful resources to help you today.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions by choosing the correct option.
Q.1: If we are scared of failure, we are not a _________. 
(a) robot
(b) human being 
(c) machine 
(d) None of these

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Unlike robots, human beings have feelings, emotions and dreams.

Q.2: How are humans different from robots?
(a) We have feelings and emotions
(b) We are living beings.
(c) We are more intelligent
(d) All of these

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Q.3: What is perceived as grit?
(a) To be courageous.
(b) To persevere and keep going.
(c) To be honest.
(d) To be determined.

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Q.4: ________________ are some of the seven qualities that have been described as the keys to personal success.
(a) Failure, dejection and dishonesty
(b) Curiosity, gratitude and optimism
(c) Fear, greed and jealousy
(d) Envy, defensive and cruelty

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Besides these, the other 3 qualities are self control, social intelligence and zest.

Q.5: Thomas Edison is a perfect example of __________________.
(a) courage 
(b) determination
(c) optimism
(d) grit

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.6: Grit helps you to become______________.
(a) fearless 
(b) successful
(c) brave
(d) content

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Q.7: What is mindfulness?
(a) To stay in the moment.
(b) To be aware of your surroundings.
(c) To be cautious.
(d) To be self aware.

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Mindfulness is a practice that helps the individual stay in the moment by bringing awareness of his or her experience without Judgement.

Q.8: Mindfulness helps the individual __________________________. 
(a) to be scared 
(b) to face the challenges
(c) to be bold
(d) from self-sabotaging

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.9: Failure is a part of ___________ life.
(a) human
(b) daily
(c) regular
(d) All of these

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Q.10: In para 2, ___________ means ‘to continue’.
(a) robots
(b) satisfied 
(c) persevere
(d) flourishing

Correct Answer is Option (c)

II. Read the passage given below. 

1. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn’t grind to a halt. Why? Because Chewang Norphel, a retired civil engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers. 
2. Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 metres above sea level, has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture is completely dependent on glacier melt unlike the rest of river/monsoon fed India. But over the years with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the severe winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season. 
3. It is located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one closer to the village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during April/May, the crucial sowing season. Further layers of ice above melt with increasing temperature thus, ensuring continuous supply to the fields. Thus, farmers have been able to manage two crops instead of one. It costs about ₹ 1,50,000 and above to create one. 
4. Fondly called the “glacier man”, Mr. Norphel has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort, he was conferred the Padma Shri by President Pranab Mukherjee, in 2015. 
5. There are a few basic steps followed in creating the artificial glacier. 
6. River or stream water at higher altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter/November, the diverted water is made to flow onto sloping hill face through distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools and freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an “artificial glacier”.

Number of Tourists Who Visited Leh

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight questions by choosing the correct option.
Q.11: For how many months does the ice formation continue? 
(a) 2 months 
(b) 3-4 months 
(c) 5 months 
(d) None of these

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in large accumulation of ice which is referred to as ice glacier.

Q.12: Mr. Norphel designed 15 artificial glaciers in _____________.
(a) Kashsmir
(b) Ladakh
(c) Leh
(d) A villaye

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Chewang Norphel was a retired civil engineer in the Jammu & Kashmir government came up with the idea of glaciers.

Q.13: What kind of landform is Ladakh?
(a) Hot desert
(b) Cold desert
(c) Dry desert
(d) Hot and Dry desert

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Q.14: Who was Chewang Norphel?
(a) A retired principal
(b) A retired activist
(c) A retired social worker
(d) A retired civil engineer

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.15: In which year did Mr. Norphel get Padma Shri award? 
(a) 2007
(b) 2015
(c) 2009
(d) 2005

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Q.16: Ladakh is at an altitude of ___________ metres above sea level.
(a) 2000-2500
(b) 1500-2000
(c) 3000-3500 
(d) 2500-3000

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Q.17: The tabular graph given above depicts that maximum tourist visited Leh in __________.
(a) August 2010
(b) August 2011 
(c) July 2010
(d) July 2011

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.18: The lowest number of tourists who visited Leh was in the month of ____________ .
(a) April 2010 
(b) April 2011
(c) Sept. 2010
(d) August 2011

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Only 3001 people vesical Leh in the months April.

III. Answer any five out of the six questions by selecting the most appropriate option for each.
Q.19: Sumit : Are you still working at the same place?
Amit : Yes, in fact ___________.
(a) I get an increment
(b) I got an increment 
(c) I give an increment
(d) I am not working there anymore.

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The reference to increment is in the past. Also, as the sentence starts with ‘Yes’, so, option (D) does not confirm with the dialogue.

Q.20: Direct Speech
Sumit : Principal sir, can I be excused this once?
Reported Speech
Sumit requested the principal __________.
(a) to excuse him this once.
(b) to excused him that once.
(c) to excuse him that once.
(d) to excuse him then once.

Correct Answer is Option (c)
First form of verb ‘excuse’ is used with preposition ‘to’. Also, ‘this’ changes to ‘that’ in reported speech.

Q.21: He retired _______________  the sport last year.
(a) to
(b) from
(c) with
(d) him

Correct Answer is Option (a)
As there is separation from the sport, the correct preposition to be used is ‘from’.

Q.22: The modern student _______________ the importance of education.
(a) to understand
(b) will understand
(c) understood
(d) understands

Correct Answer is Option (d)
As it is a simple statement of fact, so simple present tense is to be used. ‘Student’ is singular so the correct form of term to be used is ‘understands’.

Q.23: Ravi’s parents are not happy ________ his behaviour. 
(a) for 
(b) by
(c) with
(d) to

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Relationship between Ravi’s behaviour and his parent happiness is expressed using ‘with’.

Q.24: Dancing ____________ a good hobby.
(a) was
(b) will
(c) being
(d) is

Correct Answer is Option (d)
It is a general statement of fact, so present tense is to be used.

IV. Answer any five out of the six questions given, with reference to the context below.
You are Tripti. You have to write a complaint letter to Municipal Corporation of your area regarding the leaking water taps in the colony.
Q.25: Which of these can be an appropriate subject for the letter?
(a) Complaint against taps
(b) Complaint against your officials
(c) Complaint against careless attitude of officials
(d) Complaint against Water Leakage

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.26: To whom should the letter be addressed?
(a) Municipal Corporation
(b) Editor of newspaper
(c) Secretary of the housing society
(d) President, Residents Welfare Association

Correct Answer is Option (b)

Q.27: Which of these is the correct option to complete this sentence?
I, on behalf of all the members of this colony, am _______________________to you to complain about the current issue of water leakage from the taps and supply joints in our colony.
(a) writing this letter
(b) sending this letter
(c) mailing this letter 
(d) signing this letter

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Q.28: Which of these lines can be a part of this letter?
(a) The water is not getting supplied due to irregular water supply hours.
(b) The water is not getting supplied due to good quality of underground pipelines.
(c) The water is not getting supplied due to old and outdated disposal system of the colony.
(d) The water is not getting supplied due to inefficiency of the staff of the Municipal Corporation.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Q.29: What could be a correct recommendation that can be given in the letter?
(a) We shall be highly thankful if the required repair and maintenance work in our colony is carried out at the earliest.
(b) We want to be thankful if the required repair and maintenance work in our colony is carried out at the earliest. 
(c) We order you to get the required repair and maintenance work in our colony carried out at the earliest. 
(d) Please carry out the required repair and maintenance work in our colony at the earliest or be prepared for the consequences.

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Q.30: Which of these is the correct way to sign the letters?
(a) Lovingly 
(b) Yours truly
(c) Yours obediently
(d) Only Yours

Correct Answer is Option (b)

V. Read the given extract and answer the questions by choosing the correct option.
The minute they entered the classroom, they stopped short and gasped. There were drawings all over the room, on every ledge and windowsill, dazzling colours and brilliant, lavish designs, all drawn on great sheets of wrapping paper. There must have been a hundred of them, all lined up. These must be the drawings for the contest. They were! Everybody stopped and whistled or murmured admiringly. 

(The Hundred Dresses)

Q.31: Whom does ‘they’ refer to?
(a) Peggy 
(b) Maddie 
(c) Wanda 
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Peggy and Maddie were spell bound to see the drawings of hundred dresses made by Wanda.

Q.32: Which drawings are being discussed here?
(a) Drawings of motorboats.
(b) Drawings of dresses made by girls of room 13 for the contest.
(c) Drawings made by Wanda.
(d) The winning drawings of dresses made by Wanda.

Correct Answer is Option (d)
All of the hundred drawings of different dresses made by Wanda qualified for the prize.

Q.33: Why did ‘they’ stop short and gasp?
(a) On seeing the room full of drawings.
(b) On knowing that Peggy had not won the contest.
(c) The teacher scolded them for being late for school. 
(d) On seeing the beauty, colours and brilliance of drawings.

Correct Answer is Option (d)
They were spellbound by the beauty of the dresses shown in the drawings.

Q.34: There were _______ drawings on the ________.
(a) sixty, room thirteen
(b) hundred, windowsill
(c) hundred, room thirteen
(d) hundred, every ledge and every windowsill

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Wanda had made a hundred drawings of different dresses and the drawings were spread in every nook and corner of the room.

Q.35: How did everybody respond to Wanda’s drawings?
(a) Whistled, murmured, admired on them.
(b) Murmured and condemned them. 
(c) Everyone was shocked.
(d) All of the above.

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Everyone in the room whistled in amazement, murmured the praise of the drawings and admired the beauty of the dresses shown in the drawings.

VI. Read the given extract and answer the questions by choosing the correct option.
Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his confidence—but he became angry when he counted the money. God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho what he had requested. Immediately, Lencho went up to the window to ask for paper and ink. On the public writing-table, he started to write, with much wrinkling of his brow, caused by the effort he had to make to express his ideas. When he finished, he went to the window to buy a stamp which he licked and then affixed to the envelope with a blow of his fist. 

(A Letter to God)

Q.36: Why was Lencho not surprised on seeing the money?
(a) Because he had already expected it. 
(b) Because he had no hope. 
(c) Because he believed that help would come some way or the other. 
(d) Because he had firm faith in the help from God.

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Lencho had blind faith in God that he would  always be there as and when he needed any help.

Q.37: Lencho was angry because:
(a) he did not get the money on time.
(b) the money was not the exact amount he had asked for.
(c) he did not want to impose his wish on God. 
(d) the letter was not signed to him by God.

Correct Answer is Option (b)
He had requested God to send more money but the post office staff could collect less than that amount amongst themselves and handed over the amount in an envelope so as to make Lencho think that God has sent the money.

Q.38: Why did Lencho ask for paper and ink?
(a) To thank God for his help in his desperate time.
(b) To ask for more money from God as his trouble was not yet gone.
(c) To tell God that someone had taken a portion of the money he had sent. 
(d) To complain about the postal problem, he had faced.

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Believing that God had sent him the correct amount but the post officials have kept some amount, he wanted to bring that to the attention of the God.

Q.39: Which word has the same meaning as ‘slightest’?
(a) Least 
(b) Decent 

(c) Huge 
(d) Considerate

Correct Answer is Option (a)

Q.40: Pick the option that correctly classifies fact/s (F) and opinion/s (O) given below.
I. Lencho had extreme faith in God.
II. The last letter from Lencho must have disappointed the postmaster.
III. It was a good act from the postmaster to try to help Lencho.
IV. The statement that all good actions have a good result is not always true. 
(a) F-I, IV and O-II, III
(b) F-I, II and O-III, IV 
(c) F- I and O-II, III, IV 
(d) F-IV and O-I, II, III

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Only Statement I is clearly indicated in the story and is a fact. The rest three statements are related to the opinion of the reader.

VII. Read the given extract and answer the questions by choosing the correct option.
No use to say ‘O there are other balls’:
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down.
All his young days into the harbour where His ball went.

(The Ball Poem)

Q.41: Which of the following is NOT a feature that tells you that the boy is affected by his loss?
(a) The boy is shaking and trembling with grief.
(b) The boy looking with fixed gaze. 
(c) The boy looking with fixed gaze.
(d) The boy is standing like a statue.

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The boy was not sobbing and searching for ball. He was standing rigid, staring down and shaking with grief.

Q.42: What does ‘rigid’ mean?
(a) Flexible
(b) Stoic
(c) Lenient 
(d) Stiff

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.43: Where did the ball go?
(a) Into the water
(b) Away from the owner
(c) Towards the poet
(d) Both (a) and (c)

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The ball had gone over the dock into the stream flowing which carried away the ball with it.

Q.44: Why does the poet say the line ‘No use to say ‘O there are other balls’?
(a) Because it eventually won’t be the same thing. 
(b) Because lost things should not be thought over.
(c) Because losing something makes you gain more things.
(d) Because what’s already done cannot be undone.

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The poet says so to express that no ball would be able to replace or substitute the ball that has gone into water and with which the boy was emotionally attached.

Q.45: Choose an option that is a synonym of the word ‘fixes’.
(a) Gathers
(b) Grips
(c) Threatens
(d) Subdues

Correct Answer is Option (b)

VIII. Read the given extract and answer the questions by choosing the correct option.
Anil was watching a wrestling match when I approached him. He was about 25- a tall, lean fellow – and he looked easy-going, kind and simple enough for my purpose. I hadn’t had much luck of late and thought I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence. ‘You look a bit of a wrestler yourself,” I said. A little flattery helps in making friends. 

(The Thief’s Story)

Q.46: According to the extract, the young boy was watching the wrestling match because he:
(a) had been invited there by the wrestlers.
(b) was supposed to meet someone there. 
(c) was looking for simple people to dupe.
(d) loved wrestling and followed it very closely.

Correct Answer is Option (c)

Q.47: ‘I hadn’t had much luck of late’ means that the boy hadn’t:
(a) ever conned people successfully.
(b) been successful in duping people lately.
(c) understood the consequences of thievery till date.
(d) considered the role of fate in deceiving others.

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The boy was not talking about some winnings. He was just trying to say that he had not been able to dupe anyone that night with his smile and flattering words.

Q.48: ‘I might be able to get into the young man’s confidence.’ Choose the option that DOES NOT display what the statement means.
(a) He wanted to win his trust.
(b) He wanted him to share his thoughts without caution.
(c) He wanted him to feel comfortable revealing more details about himself.
(d) He wanted to be able to spend quality time with him.

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.49: Anil looked easy-going, kind and simple to the narrator.
Which of the given characteristics would NOT fit in with this description? 
(a) Compassionate 
(b) Suave 
(c) Uncomplicated
(d) Carefree

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Anil was kind, simple and easy going. Suave means sophisticated and elegant. This is the trait that does not match with his features.

Q.50: Based on the line, “A little flattery helps in making friends.”, choose the option that displays the quote closest in meaning.
(a) Imitation is the best form of flattery; people generally understand that my comedy is not intended to hurt anybody.
(b) I know imitation is the highest form of flattery, but stealing one’s identity is totally different.
(c) Nothing is so great an example of bad manners as flattery. If you flatter all the company, you please none; if you flatter only one or two, you offend the rest.
(d) One may define flattery as a base companionship which is most advantageous to the flatterer.

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Flattery can be in any form and differs from one person to another. One person may be flattered by one thing and another person may be flattered by some other thing. So, flattery forms only the base of companionship which benefits the flatterer.

IX. Attempt the following.
Q.51: Who is the author of "Black Aeroplane"?
(a) Liam O’ Flaherty 
(b) Frederick Forsyth
(c) Roald Dahl
(d) Paulo Coelho

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The story is about an aeroplane that got caught in between storm clouds and was guided to safety by a mysterious pilot flying the Black Aeroplane. The story is written by Frederick Forsyth.

Q.52: What did the parents of the young seagull threaten him with if he didn’t fly away?
(a) To never talk to him
(b) To punish him 
(c) Let him starve
(d) To abandon him

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The family of the seagulls started catching fish and eating them without offering any to the young seagull. They showed their intention to let him starve him till he learns to fly and catch fish for himself.

Q.53: What is the irony in the lesson ‘A Letter to God’?
(a) Lencho was sad after the hailstorm even though he was the one waiting for a shower.
(b) Postmaster laughed at Lencho but still helped arrange money for him.
(c) Lencho blamed the post office employees who in fact helped him.
(d) There is no irony.

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The post office staff had collected as much money as they could from their own pockets to help Lencho. Lencho was not made aware of this truth as the staff helped anonymously (in the name of God). Lencho, however, blamed the post office staff to be thieves and corrupt as he thought that God had sent the full amount requested but the staff had siphoned off some of that amount.

Q.54: We have achieved our political emancipation." What is the meaning of emancipation?
(a) Freedom from restriction 
(b) Enslavement 
(c) Slavery 
(d) Both (b) and (c)

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Emancipation means freedom. South Africa had attained freedom and were free from any political restrictions to form their own democratic government.

Q.55: What does the poet compare fire with?
(a) Hatred
(b) Desire
(c) Hot
(d) Both (a) and (c)

Correct Answer is Option (b)
According to the poet, desire is the root cause of all evil.

Q.56: By "ignoring visitors", what is the poet trying to say which poem?
(a) The tiger knows his power is restricted.
(b) There is no use of showing rage.
(c) He is less terrorising because of the cage.
(d) All of the above

Correct Answer is Option (d)

Q.57: Why does the poet call it "dust of snow"?
(a) The snow particles were too tiny.
(b) They came over him like dust. 
(c) They felt like dust.
(d) They looked like dust.

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The powdered particles of snow resembled the dust particles which are too minute.

Q.58: What exercise Tricki used to do with Hodgkin, the gardner?
(a) Running in a park.
(b) Playing with ball.
(c) Ring - throwing.
(d) Walking in a garden.

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Tricki would go with Hodgkin, to do ring throwing and this was a kind of exercise for Tricki.

Q.59: What did the boy ask Anil for?
(a) To give him food.
(b) To employ him. 
(c) To give him money.
(d) To teach him.

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The boy asked Anil to give him some job as he was not a beggar and did not want money. He wanted to earn it.

Q.60: What was Griffin working on?
(a) Making fake footprints.
(b) Making human bodies invisible. 
(c) Making a fool of children.
(d) All of the above

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Griffin was conducting a science experiment to make human body invisible so that light could pass through it as through glass.