Class 10 English: CBSE Sample Question Paper- (2019-20) - 1 | CBSE Sample Papers For Class 10 PDF Download

(Section - A)

Q.1. Read the following passage carefully:
1. Few guessed that this quiet, parentless girl growing up in New York City would one day become the First Lady of the United States. Even fewer thought she would become an author and lecturer and a woman much admired and loved by people throughout the world. 
2. Born Anna Eleanor Roosevelt in 1884 to-wealthy, but troubled parents who both died while she was young, Roosevelt was cared for by her grandmother and sent to school in England. In 1905, she married her distant cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She and her husband had six children. Although they were wealthy, her life was not easy and she suffered several personal tragedies. Her second son died when he was a baby. In 1921, her strong athletic husband was stricken with polio, which left him physically-disabled for life. 
3. Eleanor Roosevelt was a remarkable woman who had great intelligence and tremendous strength of character. She never let things get her down. She nursed her husband back to good health and encouraged him to remain in politics. She then helped him to become Governor of New York, and in 1933, President of the United States. 
4. While her husband was President, she took a great interest in all the affairs of the country. She became her husband's legs and eyes; she visited prisons and hospitals; she went down into mines, up Scaffolding and into factories. Roosevelt was tireless and daring. During the depression she travelled all over the country bringing goodwill, reassurance and help to people without food and jobs. During World War II she visited American soldiers in camps all over the world. The United States had never known a First Lady like her.
5. Roosevelt also kept in touch with the American people through a daily newspaper column called ‘My Day’. She broadcast on the radio and delivered lectures, all first for a First Lady.
1.1. Fill in the blanks :
(a) Eleanor Roosevelt became the_______________
(b) Eleanor Roosevelt’s husband suffered ______________.
Ans.
(а) First Lady of the United States
(b) Polio

1.2. Attempt any four:
(а) How was Eleanor Roosevelt’s personality in contrast to what she became?
(b) Apart from becoming the First Lady what all did she have to her credit?
(c) How did Eleanor help her husband to become the President of the United States?
(d) What was her special contribution during the depression?
(e) What did she do for the first time for a First Lady?
Ans.
(a) She was a quiet, parentless girl which was in total contrast to all what she achieved in life.
(b) Apart from becoming the First Lady she also became an author and lecturer and a woman much admired and loved by people throughout the world.
(c) Eleanor helped her husband to become the President of the United States by encouraging him to remain in politics, in spite of his handicap.
(d) During depression she travelled all over the country bringing goodwill, reassurance and help to people without food and jobs.
(e) It was for the first time that a First Lady broadcast on the radio and delivered lectures.

1.3. Choose the most appropriate option from the following:
(a) Depression in the passage means_______________
(i) melancholy
(ii) sadness
(iii) feeling of despondency
(iv) recession
(b) Eleanor Roosevelt motivated the American soldiers by __________.
(i) visiting them in camps all over the world
(ii) awarding them
(iii) taking care of their families
(iv) addressing them in a broadcast
Ans. 
(a) (iv) recession
(b) (i) visiting them in camps all over the world

Q.2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
"Computers are reshaping children's lives, at home and at school, in profound and unexpected ways. Common sense suggests that we consider the potential harm, as well as the promised benefits, of this change.
Computers pose serious health hazards to children. The risks include repetitive stress injuries, eyestrain, obesity, social isolation, and, for some, long-term damage to physical, emotional, or intellectual development. Our children, the Surgeon General warns, are the most sedentary generation ever. Will they thrive spending even more time staring at screens?
Children need stronger personal bonds with caring adults. Yet powerful technologies are distracting children and adults from each other.
Children need time for active, physical play; hands-on lessons of all kinds, especially in the arts; and direct experience of the natural world. Research shows these are not frills but are essential for healthy child development. Yet many schools have cut already minimal offerings in these areas to shift time and money to an expensive, unproven technology.
The emphasis on technology is distracting us from the urgent social and educational needs of low income children. M.I.T. Professor Sherry Turkle has asked: "Are we using computer technology not because it teaches best but because we have lost the political will to fund education adequately?"
In the early childhood, children need live lessons that engage their hands, hearts, bodies, and minds - not computer simulations. Even in high school, where the benefits of computers are clearer, too few technology classes emphasize the ethics or dangers of online research and communication. Too few help students develop the critical skills to make independent judgments about the potential for the Internet - or any other technology - to have negative as well as positive social consequences.
Those who place their faith in technology to solve the problems of education should look more deeply into the needs of children. The renewal of education requires personal attention to students from good teachers and active parents, strongly supported by their communities. It requires commitment to developmentally appropriate education and attention to the full range of children's real, low-tech needs - physical, emotional, and social, as well as cognitive".

2.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
(a) How do computers act as a health hazard?
(b) What change is required in education?
(c) What skill do the students lack in technology-oriented classrooms?
(d) What are the schools lacking?
Ans.
(a) Computers pose serious health hazards to children. The risks include repetitive stress injuries, eyestrain, obesity, social isolation, and, for some, long-term damage to physical, emotional, or intellectual development.
(b) The renewal of education requires personal attention to students from good teachers and active parents, strongly supported by their communities. It requires commitment to developmentally appropriate education and attention to the full range of children’s real, low-tech needs - physical, emotional, and social, as well as cognitive.
(c) Students are unable to develop critical skills to make independent judgments about the potential for the Internet - or any other technology - to have negative as well as positive social consequences.
(d) A child needs to be active and maintain regular interaction with the nature and its elements. The schools have cut down to minimal offerings in these areas to shift time and money to expensive unproven technology.

2.2 Fill in the blanks:
(i) According to the passage, in what ways can children learn the most ______.
(ii) __________ category of children is ignored by the education system.
Ans. 
(i) Hands-on experience
(ii) Children with special needs
2.3 Choose the correct option:
(i) Which of the following words mean the same as ‘inactive? (Para 2)
(a) Hazards 
(b) Isolation 
(c) Sedentary 
(d) Risk
(ii) Which of the following means the opposite of ‘mistrust’? (Para 5) 
(a) Solve 
(b) Faith 
(c) Active 
(d) Appropriate
Ans. 
(i) (c) Sedentary
(ii) (b) Faith

(Section - B)

Q.3. You are Tanvi/Shirish of Safdarjung Development Area, New Delhi. You are extremely disturbed about the attacks on old people living alone. Write a letter in 100-120 words to the Editor, ‘The New Indian News’, making people sensitive to the problem. Make suggestions to the people living alone and the authorities to ensure that such attacks do not take place.
Ans.
21, Safdarjung Development Area
New Delhi
tan678©yahoo. com
967541000
1st May, 20...,
To
The Editor
The New Indian News
Delhi

Subject: Plight of Old People

Sir
Reference to news item, regarding attacks on old couples has truly disturbed me. I feel, we, as a society, have failed to take care of our aging community. Today, children prefer to lead their own lives and ignore the fact that their parents, at the fag end of their lives need them. Some parents are deserted by their kids while some keep them as a liability because of social stigma. Thus, it is our responsibility to give them a safe environment to live. I feel a special wing in the police department should be made, for the elderly. They should make them aware of precautions to be taken for their safety. The Government should take the intiative of installing emergency alarms in their residences to alert the neighbours and the police. Someone from the RWA/police should also visit them at least twice a day. Little steps, earnestly taken can go a long way in ensuring their safety.
Yours truly
Tanvi

OR

You are Ravi/Raveena, Sports Secretary of your school. Write an article in 100-120 words on the topic, ‘Importance of Outdoor Games in the life of a teenager’,
Ans. Importance of Outdoor Games in the life of a teenager

- by Raveena

‘All work and no play make Jack a dull boy’ is an old adage. Play comes naturally to all growing up children. It is as important as food and water in one’s life. In todays age of concrete jungle and cramped up spaces, with pressure on academics and umpteen indoor entertainments, which the Idiot box and technology have to offer, physical activities have taken a big blow. And, needless to say, it is responsible for nurturing an obese youth, affected by lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure etc. It is up to each one of us to make the right choice. Do we want to indulge in computer games, TV for relaxation or opt for outdoor games which not only provide relaxation but make one physically strong. Physical, emotional and intellectual development are interconnected. Thus, we need to engage more in outdoor games and avoid indoor ones, to remain healthy.

Q.4. Jyoti decided to write a short story but could not complete it. Help her complete the story in 150-200 words on the basis of the beginning given below:
Mohit was very tired and hungry. When he saw around/he was shocked to see that there was no one on the road. Suddenly he saw a cottage on the other end of the road. He somehow reached there and knocked at the door, then...

OR

Write a story in 150-200 words based on the input given below:
The train gathered speed — all settled — a group of ruffians — looked threatening — sudden silence....
Ans. Mohit was very tired and hungry. When he saw around, he was shocked to see that there was no one on the road. Suddenly he saw a cottage, on the other end of the road. He somehow reached there and knocked at the door. A voice came from within, "Come, come, come! Waiting for you, waiting for you!' It was a hollow, strange voice. Mohit got frightened. He did not know what to do. He could not go back as it was too late. He had come very far from his base camp where he and his friends were staying for a hiking expedition. It was not possible for him to go back to the camp.
So, with a prayer, he stepped in. What he saw shocked him. There was no one in the cottage. A small cot and a pitcher beside it were visible. There was a traditional fireplace made of bricks. As he took a step to move out, the same voice came: 'Don't be afraid. I'm a friend. I'll not harm you in any way. Lie on the cot for the night, sleep and go away in the morning. There are fruits in the basket under the cot. I am going." No voice came thereafter. Mohit ate some fruits, lay on the cot and had a hard sleep. The morning came. There was still no one in or around the cottage.
He came back to the base camp. He told his story to his friends. An old watchman who was overhearing him remarked," There resides the ghost of a gentleman in that cottage; no one has ever dared to enter his hut."
Mohit shuddered but thanked the unseen ghost for his hospitality.

OR

Gradually the train gathered speed. When all the passengers had settled comfortably, a group of four young ruffians pushed in. They must have boarded the train when it was moving and must have been standing near the door. All of them looked threatening. Two of them were bearded while the other two were clean shaven. One of them had a bag in his hand. Silence prevailed in the compartment as the passengers looked apprehensively at them. Then a few murmurs could be heard.
All of a sudden one of the youngsters opened the bag and took out a pistol. The others pulled out their knives. The man with the bag thundered, "Do as we tell you, and no one will be harmed. Hand over your jewellery and cash. Nobody would use mobile. Are you listening ? Hurry up!"
Too frightened, most of the women began to take off their jewellery. The men Opened their purses and took out money.
Then something unexpected happened. A man from the upper berth jumped on the man with the pistol. The ruffians tried to react. Some young men in the compartment became bold and pounced on the ruffians. Someone pulled the chain. The train slowed down. The ruffians tried to run away. Two of them were able to run away, the other two were napped by the constables of the railway police. Everyone praised the person who had taken the initiative and foiled the robbery.

Q.5. Complete the paragraph given below by filling in the blanks choosing the correct option from those that follow:
The modern student (a) ................. the importance (b) ................. physical exercise. He spends one to two hours in open air (c) .......... he takes part in different sports.
However care should (d) ................ not to overstrain the body.
(a) (i) understood
(ii) understand
(iii) have understand
(iv) understands
(b) (i) of
(ii) by
(iii) from
(iv) with
(c) (i) how
(ii) which
(iii) where
(iv) why
(d) (i) be taken
(ii) took
(iii) takes
(iv) has taken
Ans. 
(a) (iv) understands
(b) (i) of
(c) (iii) where
(d) (i) be taken

Q.6. Answer the following questions in 100-120 words:
“You haven’t a kick in you but I think I know a cure for you.” Which type of cure was Herriot talking about ? Did Tricki need to learn the joy of struggling for his food ? Discuss the values that Tricki needs to imbibe.

OR

Hari Singh robbed Anil despite his kind behaviour towards him. Was it not in his attitude to repose trust shown by others ? Did he lack courage to redeem himself ?
Discuss the values he should have possessed in about 100-120 words.
Ans.
Herriot is talking about a strict diet and regular exercise for Tricki but it was not possible in Mrs Pumphrey’s house. She overfed him with heavy food and sweets. She also neglected his physical exercise. The result was he stopped walking and eating. Herriot decided to hospitalise Tricki. He knew Tricki had to experience the joy of running around and playing. He gave it only water to drink for two days and on the third let it jostle with other dogs for food. Soon Tricki learnt to struggle for its food. He also enjoyed playing and jostling with the other dogs. After fifteen days, Tricki was completely cured and running around like a normal dog. Tricki needs to imbibe physical fitness and work harder to earn food.

OR

Anil bad given Hari Singh a roof over his head and was also teaching him how to read and write. But Hari Singh stole his hard earned money from him. Anil trusted Hari Singh but he betrayed the trust reposed in him. Anil too was poor, like him, but he used to struggle hard to survive and earned his livelihood honestly, not by cheating others. Though one can say that Hari Singh stole Anil’s money, in his weak moments, realised his mistake, and came back but he did so for his selfish reason of learning how to read and write from Anil. He lacked the courage to confess his mistake which would have given him the strength to overcome his weakness of cheating and stealing. Thus, we are not sure if Hari Singh has actually turned into a new leaf. However, he should now not only learn how to read and write from Anil but also imbibe values of goodness, honesty, truthfulness and hard work from him.

Q.7. Rearrange the following words and phrases in to meaningful sentences. The first one has been done as an example for you.
interesting/ have/ flags/ history/ a/ and/ long
Flags have a long and interesting history. 
(a) in china /over /flew flags /4,000 years/ people/ ago 
(b) had its /each /the army /own flag/ part of 
(c) help /their leaders/ the soldiers/ see/ with their / could 
(d) of wood /flags were/ them/ sticks /with/ early/ pictures cut into
Ans.
For a partially correct answer, no marks are to be allotted.
(a) People in China flew flags over 4,000 years ago.
(b) Each part of the army had its own flag.
(c) The soldiers could see their leaders with their help.
(d) Early flags were sticks of wood with pictures cut into them.

(Section - C)

Q.8. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
When I casually mentioned this to a friend, he as casually replied that I had better get one in the Tigris marshes, for there they were as common as mosquitoes, and were often tamed by the Arabs. We were going to Basra to the Consulate-General to collect and answer our mail from Europe. At the Consulate-General we found that my friend’s mail had arrived but that mine had not.
Ques.
(a) What does ‘they’ refer to?
(b) The author got ‘one’ from:
(i) The Consulate-General
(ii) Europe
(iii) Basra
(iv) Tigris marshes
(c) The word which means ‘domesticated’ is ..............
(d) What did the author find at the Consulate-General?
Ans.
(a) ‘They’ refers to ‘otters’.
(b) (iv) Tigris marshes
(c) ‘Tamed’
(d) The author found that his friend’s mail had arrived but his own had not.

OR

(There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me a mermaid drifting blissfully.)
Ques.
(a) Who does ‘me’ stand for?
Choose the correct option:
(b) Amanda feels.................
(i) sad
(ii) melancholy
(iii) blissful
(iv) lively 
(c) The word in the extract which means the opposite of ‘languid ’ is ................
(i) relaxed
(ii) weak
(iii) active
(iv) energetic
(d) ‘Amanda’ is being com pared to .................
(i) sole inhabitant
(ii) emerald sea
(iii) fish 
(iv) mermaid
Ans.
(a) ‘Me’ stands for ‘Amanda’.
(b) (iii) blissful
(c) (i) relaxed
(d) (iv) mermaid

Q.9. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:
(a) How did Mijbil prove to be problematic during the aircraft journey? 
(b) What helped Kisa Gotami understand life? 
(c) How do we know that bread was important for the people of Goa? 
(d) Ausable killed Max without using a weapon? Explain. 
(e) What preparations were made to send Bholi to school? When did she begin to think that school was a better place than her home?
Ans. 
(a) PROSE - MIJBILTHE OTTER 
When Maxwell opened the box, Mijbil disappeared in a flash. A lady identified him as a rat that caused a lot of hue and cry in the aircraft. There were sounds of shrieks across the flight.
(b) PROSE - THE SERMON AT BENARES 
While Kisa Gotami sat in a state of despair she observed the lights of the city, as they flickered up and was extinguished again and finally the darkness of the night reigned everywhere. At this point, she understood that human life was the same. This means that life too comes to an end.
(c) PROSE - GLIMPSES OF INDIA: A BAKER FROM GOA
Different kinds of breads are important during the different occasions. Bolin has had to be prepared during Christmas and other festivals. The mothers used to prepare sandwiches on the occasion of their daughter's engagement.
(d) CHAPTER - THE MIDNIGHT VISITOR
When Ausable found Max waiting for him in his room, he made a convincing story of a balcony under his window. And thus, when someone knocked at the door. Max fearing it to be the police, jumped out of the window and died.
(e) CHAPTER-BHOLI
Bholi was give get a clean dress that didn't fit Champa. Bholi was bathed. Oil was rubbed into her dry and matted hair. Only then Bholi began to think that she was going to a better place than to her home.

Q.10. The poet in the poem, 'For Anne Gregory' conveys that we should give importance to the inner beauty and not to the physical appearance. Elaborate with reference to the poem.

OR

Which two obligations, according to Nelson Mandela, does every man have in life ? How could a man not fulfil these obligations in a country like South Africa?
Ans. "For Anne Gregory" underlines the idea that physical charms are short-lived. Love for youth and beauty called physical love is transient. Those who fall in love with someone for physical charms do not really respect the person for what he or she is. That is why, the lady in the poem is hot delighted to hear that many of her lovers are in love because of her beautiful, golden hair. She retorts that she will dye her hair brown, black or carrot-colour. She hopes that the young men will then love her for her own sake and not for the sake of her beautiful, yellow hair.
The poet reminds the lady that human beings are selfish. They are attracted to each other only because of physical charms. It is only God who is selfless and loves human beings for themselves alone.
This remark reveals that it is not possible for humans to love selflessly. Only God can have selfless love.

OR

According to Nelson Mandela, every man has two types of obligations. One has obligations towards one's family arid towards one's nation. In a country like South Africa where one race oppresses the other these obligations cannot be easily fulfilled. In South Africa the policy of apartheid caused much suffering to the black natives. The natives were not given any kind of freedom. They were not allowed to fulfil their obligations. Those who tried to work for the freedom of their country were arrested and cruelly treated by the white people.