Half Yearly Exam Class 10 English Set 1

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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
_____ | _____

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

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

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

VI. Report the following warning. (1)
"Do not touch the wet paint," the guard warned me.
The guard warned me ________.

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

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

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

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

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

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)
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)

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)

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)

SECTION C 

Q6. Read the given extracts A and B and answer ANY ONE of the two. (5 Marks)
A. (First Flight - Prose Extract)
"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)
(ii) What happened when the seagull tried to flap his wings? (1)
(iii) What does this extract tell us about the seagull's personality at this stage? (1)
(iv) Identify the emotion shown by the seagull in the extract. (1)
(v) What lesson does the seagull learn later in the story? (1)

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)
(ii) Mention any one personal detail about Horace from the extract. (1)
(iii) What health problem did Horace suffer from? (1)
(iv) What contrast is highlighted about Horace's character in the story? (1)
(v) What does the extract suggest about appearances in society? (1)

Q7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow. Attempt ANY ONE of the two. (5 Marks)
A. (First Flight - Poem Extract)
"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)
(ii) What does 'fire' symbolise in the poem? (1)
(iii) What does the poet mean by 'desire'? (1)
(iv) Why does the poet favour fire? (1)
(v) What is the central idea of the poem? (1)

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)
(ii) What does the word 'peppered' mean here? (1)
(iii) What humorous idea does the poet present in the stanza? (1)
(iv) Why does the poet use the word 'lept' instead of 'leaped'? (1)
(v) What is the tone of the poem? (1)

Q8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 50 words each. (4×3=12 Marks)(First Flight)
(i) How did Lencho's faith in God lead him to write a letter? (A Letter to God)
(ii) How did Mandela describe the inauguration day as a symbol of victory? (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
(iii) What made the young seagull finally fly? (Two Stories About Flying)
(iv) What message does the poem 'Fire and Ice' give about human emotions? (Fire and Ice)
(v) Why did the poet in 'Dust of Snow' feel that the moment was significant? (Dust of Snow)

Q9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words each. (2×3=6 Marks)(Footprints Without Feet)
(i) Why did Hari Singh find it difficult to rob Anil? (The Thief's Story)
(ii) What kind of person was Griffin and how did he misuse his discovery? (Footprints Without Feet)
(iii) Why did Horace Danby rob a safe every year? (A Question of Trust)

Q10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. (6 Marks)
A. How does the story 'A Letter to God' highlight Lencho's innocence and faith? (A Letter to God)

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

Q11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. (6 Marks)
A. How did the surgery become a turning point in Tricki's life? Explain with reference to 'A Triumph of Surgery'.

OR

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

You can find the solutions to this Half Yearly Exam here.