Half Yearly Exam Class 10 English Set 1 (Solutions)

Time Allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 80 

General Instructions:
1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. The question paper contains three sections:
Section A: Reading Skills
Section B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section C: Literature Section
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A

READING SKILLS (20 Marks)

Q1. Read the following passage carefully. (10 Marks)

Passage: The Value of Morning Walks

1. In today's fast-paced lifestyle, people often ignore small habits that can improve their health. One such habit is going for a morning walk. A morning walk is a simple and inexpensive activity that can be practised by people of all age groups. It does not require any special equipment or training, yet it offers numerous physical and mental benefits.
2. Walking early in the morning provides fresh air, which is cleaner than the air during the rest of the day. It improves oxygen supply to the body and helps in better blood circulation. Regular walking strengthens the heart, reduces the risk of high blood pressure, and keeps the digestive system healthy. It is also helpful in maintaining body weight, as it burns calories steadily.
3. Apart from physical health, a morning walk has a positive impact on mental well-being. People who walk in the morning often feel more energetic and active throughout the day. The peaceful environment of early morning reduces stress and anxiety. It also improves concentration and helps students perform better in studies.
4. Morning walks are also an excellent opportunity to connect with nature. The sight of sunrise, the sound of birds, and the calm surroundings bring a sense of joy. This natural connection refreshes the mind and creates a positive mood. Many people use this time for meditation or planning their day.
5. However, to benefit from a morning walk, one must be regular. Walking occasionally does not produce long-term results. It is also important to wear comfortable shoes and avoid over-exertion. A balanced diet and proper sleep should accompany this habit for maximum benefit.
6. Thus, a morning walk is not just a physical exercise, but a complete wellness activity. It helps in improving health, reducing stress, and building discipline. If people include this habit in their daily routine, they can lead a healthier and happier life.

(410 words)

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

I. Why is a morning walk described as a "simple and inexpensive activity"? (1)

Ans: A morning walk is described as a simple and inexpensive activity because it does not require any special equipment, training, or money. Anyone can do it easily.

II. According to paragraph 2, morning air is cleaner because: (1)
A. it contains more dust
B. it is fresher than the air later in the day
C. it is polluted by vehicles
D. it contains smoke

Ans: B. it is fresher than the air later in the day

III. Complete the following by selecting the correct option from those given in brackets. (1)
Regular walking improves blood circulation by increasing the supply of ________.
(oxygen / dust)

Ans: oxygen

IV. What does the phrase "positive impact" in paragraph 3 suggest? (1)
A. harmful effect
B. beneficial effect
C. uncertain effect
D. temporary effect

Ans: B. beneficial effect

V. Complete the analogy by selecting one correct option. (1)
Morning walk : good health :: meditation : ________
(a) stress (b) peace

Ans: (b) peace

VI. How does a morning walk help in improving mental health? (2)

Ans: A morning walk improves mental health by reducing stress and anxiety due to the peaceful environment. It also makes a person feel energetic and active, which improves mood and concentration throughout the day.

VII. What are the main ideas of paragraph 4 and paragraph 5? (1)
i) Morning walks help connect with nature.
ii) Morning walks are harmful if done daily.
iii) Regularity is important for long-term benefits.
iv) Walking occasionally gives the same results.
v) Shoes are unnecessary during walking.
Select the correct option:
A. i and iii
B. ii and iv
C. i and v
D. iv and v

Ans: A. i and iii

VIII. Why does the writer say that walking occasionally does not help much? (2)

Ans: The writer says this because health benefits such as improved fitness, stamina, and better circulation require consistency. Walking occasionally does not build discipline or produce lasting physical improvement.

Q2. Read the following passage carefully. (10 Marks)

Passage: Students and Screen Time

1. A survey was conducted in three schools to study the daily screen time of students of classes IX and X. The aim was to understand how much time students spend on screens for study and entertainment. The survey included 200 students.
2. The survey found that 40% of students spent 1-2 hours daily on screens. Out of these, 60% used screens mainly for studies such as online classes, videos, and homework. The remaining 40% used screens mostly for entertainment like gaming and social media.
3. Another 35% of students spent 3-4 hours daily on screens. In this group, only 45% used screens for study purposes, while 55% used them for entertainment. Teachers observed that these students often felt tired and distracted.
4. About 15% of students spent more than 5 hours daily on screens. In this category, 70% used screens mostly for entertainment. Many of them reported poor sleep habits and lack of physical activity. Parents also complained that their children were becoming less interested in outdoor games.
5. Surprisingly, 10% of students spent less than 1 hour daily on screens. Most of them used screens only when necessary. These students were found to be more active in sports and scored better in school examinations.
6. Experts suggested that students should maintain a balance between screen use and physical activity. Excessive screen time can lead to eye strain, obesity, and reduced concentration. Parents and teachers should guide students to use screens responsibly.

(320 words)

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

I. The main purpose of the survey was to: (1)
A. punish students
B. understand screen time habits
C. stop online education
D. promote social media

Ans: B. understand screen time habits

II. Identify the phrase in paragraph 1 that conveys the purpose of the survey. (1)

Ans: "to understand how much time students spend on screens for study and entertainment"

III. Complete the following by selecting the correct option from those given in brackets. (1)
A student who spends 1-2 hours daily is most likely to use screens mainly for ________.
(studies / gaming)

Ans: studies

IV. What does the word "distracted" in paragraph 3 mean? (1)

Ans: "Distracted" means unable to focus or concentrate properly.

V. When the passage says "Surprisingly, 10% of students spent less than 1 hour," it means that: (1)
A. most students used screens very little
B. only a small number of students had low screen time
C. screens were banned in schools
D. students did not like technology

Ans: B. only a small number of students had low screen time

VI. Give ONE reason why students who spent 3-4 hours on screens felt tired. (1)

Ans: They felt tired because long screen exposure causes mental fatigue and reduces energy.

VII. How are "aesthetic appeal" and "better academic performance" connected in the passage? (1)

Ans: Students with less screen time were more active and performed better academically because they had better concentration and healthier habits.

VIII. Elaborate how reducing screen time can improve academic performance. (2)

Ans: Reducing screen time helps students avoid distractions like social media and games. It improves concentration and allows students to spend more time studying and sleeping properly. Better sleep and focus improve memory and understanding, leading to improved academic performance.

IX. Fill in the blank with ONE suitable word. (1)
Experts suggested students should maintain a ________ between screen use and physical activity.

Ans: balance

SECTION B

WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR (20 Marks)

Q3. Complete ANY TEN of the following twelve tasks, as directed. (10×1=10)
I. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket. (1)
The new rules were clearly ________ (explain) to the students.

Ans: explained

II. Identify the error and write the correction in the given sentence. (1)
She is the most tallest girl in the class.
Use the given format:
Error | Correction
_____ | _____

Ans:
Error | Correction
most | tallest
Correct sentence: She is the tallest girl in the class.

III. Fill in the blank with the correct form of verb given in brackets. (1)
They ________ (live) in Delhi since 2018.

Ans: have lived

IV. Read the given statement and report it correctly. (1)
Riya said, "I will finish my homework today."
Riya said that ________.

Ans: Riya said that she would finish her homework that day.

V. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option. (1)
There is no excuse ________ being late.
A. of
B. for
C. with
D. by

Ans: B. for

VI. Report the following warning. (1)

"Do not touch the wet paint," the guard warned me.

The guard warned me ________.

Ans: The guard warned me not to touch the wet paint.

VII. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option. (1)
The news made everyone ________.
A. shocked
B. shocking
C. shock
D. shocks

Ans: A. shocked

VIII. The given sentence has an error. Select the option that correctly identifies the error and correction. (1)
He don't know the answer.
A. don't → doesn't
B. know → knew
C. the → a
D. answer → answers

Ans: A. don't → doesn't

IX. Report the following question. (1)
Mother said to me, "Have you cleaned your room?"

Ans: Mother asked me if I had cleaned my room.

X. Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given in brackets. (1)
You ________ wear a helmet while riding a bike. (must / may)

Ans: must

XI. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option. (1)
________ of the boys were present in the assembly.
A. Much
B. Many
C. Little
D. Less

Ans: B. Many

XII. Choose the correct option to fill the blank. (1)
There is ________ milk left in the fridge.
A. few
B. a few
C. little
D. many

Ans: C. little

Q4A. You are Sakshi, a student of Class X. Your school is planning a "Clean Campus Drive". Write a letter to the Principal requesting permission and support for organising the drive, in about 120 words. (5 marks)

Ans: 

ABC Public School
New Delhi
10 July 2026
The Principal
ABC Public School
New Delhi
Subject: Request for permission to organise Clean Campus Drive
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Sakshi of Class X-A. I wish to request your permission to organise a "Clean Campus Drive" in our school. The purpose of this drive is to create awareness among students about cleanliness and hygiene.
We plan to involve students from Classes IX and X in activities like cleaning classrooms, collecting plastic waste, and spreading awareness through posters and slogans. Such a programme will help students understand the importance of keeping the environment clean and healthy.
Kindly grant us permission and provide necessary support such as gloves, garbage bags and cleaning tools. I assure you that the drive will be conducted in an organised manner.
Yours obediently
Sakshi
Class X-A

OR
Q4B. You are Rohan, a resident of Jaipur. Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper about the problem of traffic jams near schools, in about 120 words. (5 marks)

Ans: 
34, Shastri Nagar
Jaipur
10 July 2026
The Editor
The Jaipur Times
Jaipur
Subject: Traffic congestion near school areas
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the increasing traffic congestion near school areas in Jaipur. During school opening and closing hours, the roads become overcrowded due to private cars, autos and buses. This causes inconvenience and creates danger for students crossing the road.
Many vehicles are parked irresponsibly near school gates, blocking the traffic. There is also a lack of traffic police during peak hours.
I request the concerned authorities to deploy traffic personnel, ensure proper parking zones, and take strict action against rule violators. This will ensure student safety and smooth traffic flow.
Yours sincerely
Rohan

Q5A. Analytical Paragraph Writing 
Two students, Arjun and Kabir, have applied for the role of School Sports Captain.
Arjun: Disciplined, punctual, good leadership, average sports performance.
Kabir: Excellent sports skills, energetic, but sometimes careless and late.
Analyse and decide who is more suitable in about 120 words. (5 marks)

Ans: Arjun is a more suitable candidate for the post of School Sports Captain than Kabir. Although Kabir has excellent sports skills and energy, his careless attitude and lack of punctuality can negatively affect team discipline. A sports captain is responsible for leading the team, managing practice schedules and motivating players. For such duties, discipline and punctuality are essential. Arjun possesses strong leadership qualities and is responsible, which will help him coordinate with coaches and teammates effectively. Even though his sports performance is average, he can improve through regular practice. Kabir's late behaviour may create delays and weaken team spirit. Therefore, Arjun's responsible nature and leadership make him the better choice for Sports Captain.

OR
Q5B. Analytical Paragraph Writing
Your school wants to start either a Robotics Club or a Drama Club. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words explaining which is more beneficial. (5 marks)

Ans: Starting a Robotics Club would be more beneficial for students than a Drama Club because it develops technical knowledge and prepares students for future careers. Robotics encourages creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are important in modern education. It also helps students understand science concepts practically by building models and machines. Drama Club improves confidence and communication skills, but it may not provide equal interest to all students. Robotics, however, promotes innovation and introduces students to technology-based learning. In today's world, where artificial intelligence and automation are growing rapidly, robotics can give students valuable exposure. Therefore, a Robotics Club will support both academic learning and future development more effectively.

SECTION C 

"The young seagull was alone on his ledge. His two brothers and his sister had already flown away the day before. He had been afraid to fly with them. Somehow when he had taken a little run forward to the brink of the ledge and attempted to flap his wings he became afraid."
(Two Stories About Flying - His First Flight)

(i) Why was the young seagull alone on the ledge? (1)

Ans: He was alone because his brothers and sister had already flown away, while he stayed back due to fear.

(ii) What happened when the seagull tried to flap his wings? (1)

Ans: When he tried to flap his wings, he became scared and lost confidence, believing he would fall.

(iii) What does this extract tell us about the seagull's personality at this stage? (1)

Ans: The extract shows that the seagull was timid, nervous, and lacked courage.

(iv) Identify the emotion shown by the seagull in the extract. (1)

Ans: The emotion shown is fear and insecurity.

(v) What lesson does the seagull learn later in the story? (1)

Ans: Later, he learns that courage comes through effort, and one must take risks to succeed.

OR

B. (Footprints Without Feet - Prose Extract)
"Everyone thought that Horace Danby was a good, honest citizen. He was about fifty years old and unmarried, and he lived with a housekeeper who worried over his health. In fact, he was usually very well and happy except for attacks of hay fever in summer."
(A Question of Trust)

(i) What impression did people have about Horace Danby? (1)

Ans: People believed Horace Danby was a good and honest citizen.

(ii) Mention any one personal detail about Horace from the extract. (1)

Ans: He was about fifty years old and unmarried.

(iii) What health problem did Horace suffer from? (1)

Ans: He suffered from hay fever during summer.

(iv) What contrast is highlighted about Horace's character in the story? (1)

Ans: The contrast is that though he appeared respectable, he was actually dishonest and a thief.

(v) What does the extract suggest about appearances in society? (1)

Ans: The extract suggests that society often judges people by outward appearance, which may hide the truth.

"Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire."
(Fire and Ice - Robert Frost)

(i) What are the two possible ways the world may end? (1)

Ans: The world may end in fire or in ice.

(ii) What does 'fire' symbolise in the poem? (1)

Ans: 'Fire' symbolises uncontrolled desire, greed, and anger.

(iii) What does the poet mean by 'desire'? (1)

Ans: 'Desire' refers to strong passions such as greed, lust, and selfish wants.

(iv) Why does the poet favour fire? (1)

Ans: The poet favours fire because he has experienced desire and feels it can destroy the world.

(v) What is the central idea of the poem? (1)

Ans: The central idea is that both extreme emotions-desire and hatred-can lead to destruction.

OR

B. (First Flight - Poem Extract)
"If strolling forth, a beast you view,
Whose hide with spots is peppered,
As soon as he has lept on you,
You'll know it is the Leopard."
(How to Tell Wild Animals)

(i) Which animal is described in the stanza? (1)

Ans: The animal described is the leopard.

(ii) What does the word 'peppered' mean here? (1)

Ans: 'Peppered' means covered with spots.

(iii) What humorous idea does the poet present in the stanza? (1)

Ans: The poet humorously says that you will recognise a leopard only after it jumps on you, which is too late.

(iv) Why does the poet use the word 'lept' instead of 'leaped'? (1)

Ans: The poet uses 'lept' to maintain rhyme and add humour by using an unusual spelling.

(v) What is the tone of the poem? (1)

Ans: The tone of the poem is humorous and playful.

(i) How did Lencho's faith in God lead him to write a letter? (A Letter to God)

Ans: Lencho had complete faith in God. When his crops were destroyed by hailstorm, he believed only God could help him. Therefore, he wrote a letter requesting one hundred pesos so that he could sow his fields again and support his family. His faith was unquestioning and strong.

(ii) How did Mandela describe the inauguration day as a symbol of victory? (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

Ans: Mandela described the inauguration day as a symbol of freedom because it marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a democratic South Africa. People of different races came together. It represented equality, justice, and the victory of human dignity over oppression.

(iii) What made the young seagull finally fly? (Two Stories About Flying)

Ans: The young seagull finally flew because hunger forced him to act. His mother tempted him by holding a piece of fish near him but did not come closer. In desperation, he dived to catch it and accidentally flew. This made him realise his wings could support him.

(iv) What message does the poem 'Fire and Ice' give about human emotions? (Fire and Ice)

Ans: The poem 'Fire and Ice' gives the message that human emotions can destroy the world. Fire represents greed, desire, and anger, while ice represents hatred and coldness. The poet warns that both extreme emotions are equally dangerous for humanity.

(v) Why did the poet in 'Dust of Snow' feel that the moment was significant? (Dust of Snow)

Ans: In 'Dust of Snow', the poet felt the moment was significant because a small incident changed his mood. When a crow shook snow from a hemlock tree onto him, his sadness disappeared. He felt that nature can bring unexpected joy and save a day from being wasted.

(i) Why did Hari Singh find it difficult to rob Anil? (The Thief's Story)

Ans: Hari Singh found it difficult to rob Anil because Anil trusted him completely. He treated Hari kindly and never suspected him. Hari felt guilty because Anil was not greedy or harsh. Therefore, stealing from such a good-hearted man was emotionally difficult for him.

(ii) What kind of person was Griffin and how did he misuse his discovery? (Footprints Without Feet)

Ans: Griffin was a brilliant but lawless scientist. He discovered how to make himself invisible but used it for selfish and criminal purposes. He stole food, money, and clothes, attacked people, and created fear. Instead of using science for good, he misused it for personal gain.

(iii) Why did Horace Danby rob a safe every year? (A Question of Trust)

Ans: Horace Danby robbed a safe every year because he loved rare and expensive books. He needed money to buy them. He planned his robberies carefully, stole enough to last for a year, and secretly purchased books through an agent.

A. How does the story 'A Letter to God' highlight Lencho's innocence and faith? (A Letter to God)

Ans: The story 'A Letter to God' highlights Lencho's innocence and strong faith in God. After his crops were destroyed by hailstorm, he believed that only God could help him. He wrote a letter directly to God asking for one hundred pesos. When he received only seventy pesos, he did not doubt God's kindness. Instead, he suspected the post office employees of stealing the rest. This shows that Lencho was innocent, simple-hearted, and had blind faith. His trust in God was so deep that he believed God would surely send him the money.

OR
B. "Nature has the power to heal human sadness." Explain this statement with reference to 'Dust of Snow'. (Dust of Snow)

Ans: In the poem 'Dust of Snow', the poet shows that nature has the power to heal sadness. The poet was in a depressed mood and felt his day was ruined. Suddenly, a crow shook dust of snow from a hemlock tree onto him. Though both the crow and hemlock are considered symbols of negativity, the incident brought a positive change in the poet's mind. His mood became cheerful, and he felt that a small moment of nature saved his day. Thus, nature can uplift and refresh human emotions.

A. How did the surgery become a turning point in Tricki's life? Explain with reference to 'A Triumph of Surgery'.

Ans: The surgery became a turning point in Tricki's life because it saved him from serious illness caused by overeating and lack of exercise. Tricki had become fat, lazy, and weak due to Mrs. Pumphrey's over-pampering. Dr. Herriot took Tricki to his clinic and gave him no medicine, only a proper routine. Tricki was kept without food initially and later allowed to play with other dogs. This made him active and healthy again. He became energetic and playful. Thus, the "surgery" was actually discipline, exercise, and controlled diet, which transformed Tricki's life completely.

OR

B. "Trust and kindness can transform a person." Explain this statement with reference to 'The Thief's Story'.

Ans: The story 'The Thief's Story' proves that trust and kindness can transform a person. Hari Singh was a thief who planned to rob Anil. However, Anil trusted him completely and treated him with kindness. Even after Hari stole money, he felt guilty because Anil was not greedy or harsh. Hari returned the money and decided to change his life. Anil did not punish him and instead forgave him silently by giving him a job and promising to teach him. This kindness and trust helped Hari realise the value of honesty. Hence, Anil's goodness transformed Hari.