Half Yearly Exam Class 10 English Set 3 (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
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 Importance of Reading Books

1. Reading books is one of the most beneficial habits a person can develop. Books are a rich source of knowledge and help in improving language, vocabulary, and understanding. In a world dominated by mobile phones and social media, reading has become less common, but it remains essential for mental growth.
2. Books provide information about history, science, literature, and different cultures. By reading, students expand their thinking and gain new ideas. Reading also improves imagination and creativity. Fiction books allow readers to explore different worlds and understand human emotions, while non-fiction books offer factual knowledge.
3. Reading regularly improves concentration and memory. When students read, they focus on the content and learn to understand meaning from context. This practice enhances their comprehension skills and helps them perform better in examinations. It also makes them confident speakers and writers.
4. Another advantage of reading is that it reduces stress. Many people read as a form of relaxation. A good book can divert the mind from worries and help a person feel calm. Reading before sleeping is also considered a healthy habit as it improves sleep quality.
5. Libraries and reading clubs can promote reading habits among students. Schools should encourage reading by organising book fairs and library periods. Parents should also motivate children to read instead of spending excessive time on screens.
6. In conclusion, reading books plays an important role in shaping a person's personality. It builds knowledge, confidence, creativity, and emotional balance. Therefore, reading should be included as a daily habit by every student.

(405 words)

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
I. Why has reading become less common today? (1)

Ans: Reading has become less common today because people spend more time on mobile phones, social media, and digital entertainment.

II. According to paragraph 1, books help improve all of the following EXCEPT: (1)
A. vocabulary
B. language
C. laziness
D. understanding

Ans: C. laziness

III. Complete the following by selecting the correct option from those given in brackets. (1)
Fiction books help readers understand human ________.
(emotions / machines)

Ans: emotions

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

Ans: The word "dominated" means strongly controlled or influenced.

V. Complete the analogy by selecting one correct option. (1)
Reading : knowledge :: meditation : ________
(a) calmness (b) noise

Ans: (a) calmness

VI. How does reading improve academic performance of students? (2)

Ans: Reading improves academic performance by increasing concentration and memory. It also develops comprehension skills, enabling students to understand concepts better and write answers effectively in examinations.

VII. What are the main ideas of paragraph 4 and paragraph 5? (1)
i) Reading reduces stress and improves sleep
ii) Reading increases screen addiction
iii) Libraries and clubs promote reading habits
iv) Reading should be avoided
Select the correct option:
A. i and iii
B. ii and iv
C. i and iv
D. ii and iii

Ans: A. i and iii

VIII. Why does the writer suggest that parents should motivate children to read? (2)

Ans: The writer suggests that parents should motivate children to read because reading develops knowledge, creativity, and confidence. It also reduces excessive screen time and helps children build better concentration and healthier habits.

Q2. Read the following passage carefully. (10 Marks)
Passage: Use of Public Transport

1. A city survey was conducted to understand the preference of people for public transport. The survey included 500 people from different age groups. The survey aimed to study whether people preferred buses, metro trains, or private vehicles for daily travel.
2. The results showed that 50% of people used metro trains because they were fast, safe, and avoided traffic jams. Among them, 65% were working professionals who travelled long distances daily.
3. About 30% of people preferred buses because they were cheaper and covered more areas. However, 40% of bus users complained about overcrowding and delays, especially during peak hours.
4. The remaining 20% used private vehicles such as cars and scooters. Most of them said they preferred comfort and privacy. But the survey found that these people contributed more to air pollution and traffic congestion.
5. Experts suggested that increasing the number of buses and improving metro connectivity would encourage more people to use public transport. This would reduce pollution and make cities cleaner and healthier. (300 words)

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
I. The survey was conducted to understand: (1)
A. transport preferences of people
B. school travelling habits
C. road accidents
D. metro construction work

Ans: A. transport preferences of people

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

Ans: "to study whether people preferred buses, metro trains, or private vehicles for daily travel"

III. Complete the following by selecting the correct option from those given in brackets. (1)
People preferred metro trains because they avoided ________.
(traffic jams / parks)

Ans: traffic jams

IV. What does the word "connectivity" in paragraph 5 mean? (1)

Ans: "Connectivity" means the ability of transport systems to link different places easily and efficiently.

V. Why did people prefer buses according to paragraph 3? (1)
A. buses are faster
B. buses are cheaper and cover more areas
C. buses provide privacy
D. buses reduce delays

Ans: B. buses are cheaper and cover more areas

VI. Give ONE complaint of bus users mentioned in the passage. (1)

Ans: Bus users complained about overcrowding and delays, especially during peak hours.

VII. How are private vehicles and air pollution connected? (1)

Ans: Private vehicles release smoke and harmful gases, which increases air pollution and worsens the environment.

VIII. Elaborate how improving public transport can make cities healthier. (2)

Ans: Improving public transport encourages people to use buses and metro instead of private vehicles. This reduces traffic congestion and decreases air pollution. Cleaner air and less traffic create a healthier environment, reducing respiratory problems and improving quality of life.

IX. Fill in the blank with ONE suitable word. (1)
Improved public transport would reduce pollution and make cities ________.

Ans: cleaner

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 teacher ________ (appreciate) the student's efforts.

Ans: appreciated

II. Identify the error and write the correction in the given sentence. (1)
He is suffering with fever.
Error | Correction
_____ | _____

Ans:
Error | Correction
with | from
Correct sentence: He is suffering from fever.

III. Fill in the blank with the correct form of verb given in brackets. (1)
I ________ (not see) him since Monday.

Ans: have not seen

IV. Read the given statement and report it correctly. (1)
He said, "We are going to the market."
He said that ________.

Ans: He said that they were going to the market.

V. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option. (1)
She is interested ________ music.
A. on
B. in
C. at
D. for

Ans: B. in

VI. Report the following warning by completing the sentence correctly. (1)
"Don't waste your time," father warned me.
Father warned me ________.

Ans: Father warned me not to waste my time.

VII. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option. (1)
The story was very ________.
A. bore
B. boring
C. bored
D. bores

Ans: B. boring

VIII. The given sentence has an error. Select the option that correctly identifies the error and correction. (1)
The children has finished their work.
A. has → have
B. finished → finishes
C. their → there
D. work → works

Ans: A. has → have

IX. Report the following question. (1)
She said, "Can you help me?"

Ans: She asked if I could help her.

X. Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given in brackets. (1)
You ________ take rest if you are tired. (should / must)

Ans: should

XI. Fill in the blank to complete the sentence by choosing the correct option. (1)
________ of the water was spilled.
A. Many
B. Much
C. Few
D. Several

Ans: B. Much

XII. Choose the correct option to fill the blank. (1)
There is ________ sugar in the tea.
A. too much
B. too many
C. many
D. few

Ans: A. too much

Q4A. You are Ananya, a student of Class X. Write a letter to your cousin advising him on how to prepare for the Class 10 Board Exams, in about 120 words. (5 amrks)

Ans:
22, Rose Colony
Chandigarh
10 July 2026
Dear Rahul,
I hope you are doing well. I came to know that you are worried about your Class 10 board exams. I would like to advise you not to panic and to prepare with proper planning.
First, make a realistic timetable and study regularly. Focus mainly on NCERT textbooks and revise important chapters frequently. Solve sample papers and previous year question papers to improve speed and accuracy. Prepare short notes for quick revision and practise writing answers neatly.
Also, take proper sleep and eat healthy food to stay energetic. Avoid unnecessary mobile phone usage and stay confident. I am sure you will perform well.
Yours lovingly
Ananya

OR
Q4B. Write a letter to the Editor. Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper about the problem of noise pollution due to loudspeakers in your area, in about 120 words. (5 marks)

Ans:
18, Shanti Vihar
Agra
10 July 2026
The Editor
The Agra Daily
Agra
Subject: Problem of noise pollution due to loudspeakers
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the growing problem of noise pollution in Shanti Vihar. Loudspeakers are used frequently during weddings, festivals and religious gatherings. The volume remains high even late at night, disturbing students, elderly people and patients.
Continuous loud noise causes headaches, stress and lack of sleep. Despite rules regarding time limits, many people do not follow restrictions.
I request the concerned authorities to take strict action against such violations. The use of loudspeakers should be regulated and limited to permitted hours only. This will help maintain peace in the locality.
Yours sincerely
Ankit

Q5A. Analytical Paragraph Writing (5 Marks)
Two candidates have applied for the post of Student Council President.
Neha: Excellent speaker, confident, but sometimes disobedient.
Pooja: Disciplined, cooperative, hardworking, average speaking skills.
Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words deciding who is more suitable.

Ans: Pooja is a more suitable candidate for the post of Student Council President than Neha. Although Neha is a confident speaker and can influence others easily, her disobedient behaviour may create discipline issues and reduce trust among teachers. A student council president must be responsible, cooperative, and able to follow school rules while representing students. Pooja is disciplined and hardworking, which are essential qualities for managing events, organising activities, and working smoothly with staff members. Even though her speaking skills are average, she can improve through experience and practice. Leadership is not only about speaking confidently but also about setting an example through behaviour. Therefore, Pooja's responsible and cooperative nature makes her the best choice.

OR
Q5B. Analytical Paragraph Writing 
Your class is planning either a Picnic or an Educational Trip to a Museum. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words supporting the better option.

Ans: An educational trip to a museum is a better option than a picnic because it combines learning with enjoyment. A museum visit helps students gain knowledge about history, science, art, and culture through real exhibits. It develops curiosity and makes learning more practical and memorable than classroom lessons. Students can observe ancient objects and understand the lifestyle of past civilizations. On the other hand, a picnic mainly focuses on entertainment and relaxation, but it does not provide significant educational value. A museum trip also encourages discipline as students must follow rules in a public place. Therefore, an educational trip to a museum is more beneficial for students' learning and overall development.

SECTION-C

LITERATURE (40 marks)

(i) What does Mandela mean by 'political emancipation'? (1)

Ans: 'Political emancipation' means freedom from oppression and the achievement of equal rights, where people are no longer ruled unfairly by others.

(ii) What does Mandela promise to do for his people? (1)

Ans: Mandela promises to liberate his people from poverty, suffering, and discrimination. He wants to create a society based on equality and justice.

(iii) Identify any two problems Mandela mentions in the extract. (1)

Ans: Two problems mentioned are poverty and deprivation.

(iv) What does the phrase 'continuing bondage' suggest? (1)

Ans: The phrase 'continuing bondage' suggests that even though apartheid ended, people were still trapped in social and economic difficulties that restricted their freedom.

(v) What quality of Mandela is reflected through these lines? (1)

Ans: These lines reflect Mandela's visionary leadership and deep concern for humanity. They show his sense of responsibility and dedication towards nation-building.

OR
B. (Footprints Without Feet - Prose Extract)
"Tricki looked down at the noisy pack with dull eyes and, when put down, lay motionless on the carpet. The other dogs, after sniffing round him for a few seconds, decided he was an uninteresting object and ignored him." (A Triumph of Surgery)

(i) Why did Tricki look at the pack with dull eyes? (1)

Ans: Tricki looked at the pack with dull eyes because he was extremely weak, unhealthy, and lacked energy due to overfeeding and no exercise.

(ii) What does Tricki's condition in the extract suggest? (1)

Ans: Tricki's condition suggests that he was suffering from obesity and laziness. He was physically unfit and unable to behave like a normal active dog.

(iii) Why did the other dogs ignore Tricki? (1)

Ans: The other dogs ignored Tricki because he was motionless and did not show interest in playing. They found him boring and unfit to join them.

(iv) What role did the pack of dogs later play in Tricki's recovery? (1)

Ans: Later, the pack of dogs helped Tricki recover by making him active. Tricki started running and playing with them, which improved his health naturally.

(v) What message does this extract convey about health and lifestyle? (1)

Ans: The extract conveys that overeating and lack of exercise lead to poor health, while discipline and physical activity are necessary for a healthy life.

A."If when you're walking round your yard
You meet a creature there,
Who hugs you very, very hard,
Be sure it is a Bear."
(How to Tell Wild Animals)

(i) What animal is described in this stanza? (1)

Ans: The stanza describes a bear.

(ii) What does the poet mean by "hugs you very, very hard"? (1)

Ans: The poet means that the bear will hold the person tightly like a hug, but actually it is attacking and crushing its victim.

(iii) How does the poet create humour in these lines? (1)

Ans: The poet creates humour by using a friendly word like "hug" for a dangerous attack. This makes the situation funny and unexpected.

(iv) Why is the advice given in the stanza ironic? (1)

Ans: The advice is ironic because the person will realise it is a bear only after being hugged tightly, when it is too late to escape.

(v) What is the overall theme of the poem? (1)

Ans: The theme of the poem is humorous identification of wild animals through playful exaggeration and funny descriptions.

OR
B. "But I can get a hair-dye
And set such colour there,
Brown, or black, or carrot,
That young men will go mad for me!"
(Amanda!)

(i) What does Amanda want to do in these lines? (1)

Ans: Amanda wants to dye her hair in different colours like brown, black, or carrot shade.

(ii) What does this reveal about Amanda's feelings? (1)

Ans: This reveals that Amanda is imaginative and wishes to express herself freely. It also shows she wants to escape from constant scolding and control.

(iii) Why does Amanda think young men will go mad for her? (1)

Ans: Amanda thinks young men will go mad for her because she believes changing her appearance will make her attractive and admired.

(iv) What is the tone of Amanda in these lines? (1)

Ans: The tone is dreamy and playful. Amanda is imagining a free and glamorous life.

(v) What does the poem 'Amanda!' mainly highlight? (1)

Ans: The poem mainly highlights the burden of constant instructions on children and their desire to live freely in their own world of imagination.

Q8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 50 words each. (4×3=12 Marks)
(i) What does Mandela mean when he says "the oppressor and the oppressed alike are robbed of their humanity"? (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

Ans: Mandela means that apartheid harmed both sides. The oppressed suffered injustice and loss of dignity, while the oppressor lost compassion and became cruel. Thus, discrimination destroys the humanity of both groups because it creates hatred, fear, and inequality in society.

(ii) Why did the seagull's family scold and threaten him? (Two Stories About Flying)

Ans: The seagull's family scolded and threatened him because they wanted him to fly and become independent. They feared he would starve if he stayed on the ledge. Their harsh behaviour was actually meant to motivate him to overcome his fear and take his first flight.

(iii) How does the poet describe the tiger in 'How to Tell Wild Animals'? (How to Tell Wild Animals)

Ans: The poet describes the tiger as a dangerous beast with black stripes on yellow skin. He humorously says that if the tiger attacks and eats a person, then the person will surely know it is a tiger.

(iv) What does the poem 'Dust of Snow' suggest about nature's role in human life? (Dust of Snow)

Ans: The poem suggests that nature can bring positive change in human life. A small act of nature, like snow falling, can refresh a person's mood and remove sadness. It teaches that even small natural moments can bring hope and happiness.

(v) What is the main conflict in the story 'A Letter to God'? (A Letter to God)

Ans: The main conflict in 'A Letter to God' is Lencho's struggle against natural disaster and poverty. His crops are destroyed by hailstorm, leaving him helpless. The conflict continues when he expects help from God and misunderstands the partial help he receives.

(i) How did Anil's behaviour show that he was a good human being? (The Thief's Story)

Ans: Anil's behaviour showed he was a good human being because he trusted Hari Singh completely and treated him kindly. He gave him food and shelter without expecting much in return. Even after being robbed, he forgave Hari silently and gave him another chance to improve his life.

(ii) Why did Mrs. Pumphrey feel that Tricki's recovery was a "triumph of surgery"? (A Triumph of Surgery)

Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey felt it was a "triumph of surgery" because Tricki became healthy again after staying with the doctor. She believed that the doctor's medical treatment had saved him.

(iii) What does the story 'A Question of Trust' teach about honesty and trust? (A Question of Trust)

Ans: The story teaches that appearances can be misleading and trust must be given carefully. Horace trusted the woman thinking she was the owner, but she deceived him. It also shows that a dishonest person may face consequences when someone smarter tricks them.

Q10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. (6 Marks)
A. How does Mandela's speech reflect his vision for the future of South Africa? (Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

Ans: Mandela's speech reflects a strong vision of equality and justice for South Africa. He speaks about political freedom and promises to end discrimination in all forms. He wants to liberate people from poverty, suffering, deprivation, and gender inequality. Mandela believes that the nation should never again experience oppression of one by another. His speech shows hope for a democratic society where people of all races can live together with dignity. He also expresses gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Thus, Mandela's speech is not only a celebration of victory but also a promise of building a better and united nation.

OR

B. "Humour can be used to deliver a serious message." Explain with reference to 'How to Tell Wild Animals'. (How to Tell Wild Animals)

Ans: The poem 'How to Tell Wild Animals' uses humour to deliver a serious message. The poet gives funny and exaggerated descriptions of wild animals, such as identifying a tiger only after it attacks. This makes the poem entertaining and easy to remember. However, behind the humour, the poem warns readers about the danger of wild animals and their violent nature. It indirectly teaches that one should be cautious and aware while dealing with such creatures. The playful tone keeps the poem light, but the message about danger and survival remains clear.

Q11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. (6 Marks)
A. Explain how over-pampering can become harmful with reference to 'A Triumph of Surgery'.

Ans: The story 'A Triumph of Surgery' clearly shows that over-pampering can become harmful. Mrs. Pumphrey loved Tricki too much and fed him rich food like cream cakes, chocolates, and sweets. She also avoided giving him exercise because she treated him like a baby. Due to this, Tricki became overweight, lazy, and sick. He stopped playing and even lost interest in life. Dr. Herriot took him away and gave him a strict routine with no food initially and lots of activity with other dogs. This made Tricki healthy again. The story teaches that true love means discipline and care, not excessive pampering.

OR

B. "Horace Danby was punished not by law, but by his own mistake." Explain with reference to 'A Question of Trust'.

Ans: Horace Danby was punished not by law, but by his own mistake because he was tricked during the robbery. Horace was an experienced thief who planned his theft carefully. However, he made the mistake of trusting a strange woman who pretended to be the owner of the house. She cleverly forced him to open the safe and hand over the jewels. Later, Horace realised he had been fooled. Although Horace escaped at that moment, he eventually got caught because the woman had left her fingerprints and Horace was blamed. Thus, his trust and foolishness became the reason for his downfall.