Sample Paper Class - X (ENGLISH) 2008
(SET - 3)

Sample Paper – 2008
Class – X
Subject – English

 

 (Communicative)

Time allowed: 3 hours                                                              
Maximum Marks: 100
Subject Code: 101

General Instructions :

(i)This paper consists of four sections —

Section A — Reading     20 marks

Section B — Writing     30 marks

Section C — Grammar    20 marks

Section D — Literature             30 marks

(ii) Attempt all questions.

(iii) Do not write anything in the question paper.

(iv) All the answers must be correctly numbered as in the question paper and written in the answer sheet provided to you.

(v) Attempt all questions in each section before going on to the next section.

(vi) Read each question carefully and follow the instructions.

(vii) Strictly adhere to the word limit given with each question. Marks will be deducted for exceeding the word limit.

 

SECTION A – (Reading)

1  Read the following poem carefully and answer the questions that follow:

 

Letter from a Parent                (8 Marks)

Dear Sir,

I feel I ought to write

About Tom’s essay-work last night

Of all the subjects you have set

This seemed the most unwise yet.

“Describe your family”…Tom wrote it,

So well, I just had to stop it

Being handed in;-So did my wife.

The details of our family life

Are not such a kind, alas,

That I should want them read in class:

We did not wish the High School staff

To read them for a-lunch-hour-laugh.

We tore it out.  I realize

You may think what we did unwise-

But give it your consideration

And please accept my explanation.

I trust you will not blame my son,

For, after all, the work was done

Yours truly
Harold Honeybun

 

A1.1      On the basis of your reading of the above poem, complete the following statements as briefly as possible:      (6 marks)

a) The father forbids his son to submit the essay to his teacher because…….

b) Submitting the essay to the teacher would cause the staff of the school to…….

c) According to the poet the persons to be blamed for Tom not submitting his essay are……

d) Tom, according to his father should be pardoned because……

e) The letter is written to the…….

f) A phrase from the poem that tells us that the parent pleads with the teacher to excuse his son is…….

 

A1.2 Given below is a flow chart that describes the series of events as they occur in the poem.  Taking help from the bubbles given below, complete the flow chart.  Write the answer only with the correct no.    (2 marks)

 

Tom is asked to write an essay

 

(a)…………………………………………….

(b)…………………………………………..

 

(c)……………………………………………

 

(d)…………………………………………..

 

Parent apologizes to the teacher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A2 Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow (12 marks)

CREDIT CARDS

1) Ask people whether credit cards are a necessity or a luxury and most would probably turn them a necessity these days.  Credit cards are considered a boon for the ready convenience they confer on the user-you don’t have to worry about carrying enough cash when you go shopping or to a restaurant.  Just flash your card, sign and walk out.

2) But there are many who criticize credit cards for the ‘easy money’ syndrome they generate.  It is true that many people fall into a debt trap-thanks to the extensive use of their credit cards.  But if you are careful with your expenses, they can be a handy thing to have around.  Hence, you need to consider the term ‘responsible usage’ and understand the actual significance of living on credit.

3) Remember that using a credit card does not mean ‘free’ credit.  In effect, what you are doing is merely postponing the payment.  While it looks real good to have to pay only one or two thousand a month on your card, remember that you’re paying interest on the amount that you ‘revolve’ from one billing cycle to the next.

4) But there’s one precaution we should add.  Always settle a credit card bill in full for two good reasons.  First and foremost, if you’re not able to pay up now, you should not have spent it in the first place.  Second, the credit charges tends to be extremely high, ranging from two percent to three percent per month.

5) There is no shortage of cards on offer.  Almost every bank has launched a card; so the biggest hurdle you face is in trying to choose from amongst them.

6) So, how does one choose among the various cards on offer?  “The factors for choosing a card revolve around certain differentiating features that one card may offer and the others don’t, like acceptability, eligibility, fees, other charges, credit period, cash advance, etc.”

7) The cards which carry the Master or Visa affiliation are more widely accepted across the country compared to Diners and American Express cards.  Similarly global credit cards are valid even outside India.  If you travel regularly within or outside India, these cards would probably suit you the best, due to their acceptability across various outlets.

8) If your credit card is more of a functional accessory while you shop or entertain in your home town, you will want a higher credit limit.  Here, foreign and private banks will give you a higher limit.  But if you are a value-for-money person who likes the convenience offered by a card, but will alternate between paying by cash and card you could consider credit cards offered by the public sector banks.  Their entry fees are typically lower.  Moreover, if you need them, you get longer credit periods and lower credit charges.  But you may not get a very high credit limit.

9) Many offers now a days carry more than one card, and another circumstances, you could use them to segregate your expenses.  For example, if your employer reimburses you for certain travel and entertainment expenses, it would be a good idea to charge all official expenses to one card and all personal expenses to the other card.  This will help your card for your official expenses easily.

10)     It’s all very well to be a member of the plastic age.  Like all good things in life, a credit privilege has to be enjoyed.

 

 A2.1 On the basis of the reading of the passage, complete the following summary by filling in the suitable words or phrases in the blanks.    (4 marks)

To use a credit card all you need to do is, show it and (a) ……………….  They can be used at a shop or a restaurant.  People using credit cards often fall into debts because of (b)………………..  To use a credit card responsibly, it is important to understand the fact that a credit card only (c)………………..  It can be difficult to decide which credit card one wants because (d)………………..

 

A2.2     Taking information from the passage, write down one advantage and one disadvantage of credit cards.    (2 marks)

 

A2.3     The table below summarizes the types of credit cards available and the types of people they suit best.  Complete the table by choosing appropriate phrases from the passage.   (2 marks)

 

Types of Credit Cards	Suit people who	Reason for choice
1.  Global credit cards	(a)………………..	Accepted across various outlets.
2.  Credit cards offered by foreign and private banks.	(b)………………..	Provide a higher credit limit.
3.  Credit cards offered by public sector banks.	(c)………………..	(d)………………..

 

A2.4     Find words/phrases from the passage which mean the same as the following from the paragraphs indicated.   (4 marks) 

(a) attitudes / social problem (Para 2)

(b) problem or difficulty (Para 5)

(c) separate or set apart from the rest (Para 9)

(d) repay or refund (Para 9)

SECTION B – (Writing)

 B1        Suppose you are Miss Pushpa Natrajan, the Secretary to the Principal of Angels Public School, Chinglepet.  Read the following notes about a meeting the Principal has called.  Using the notes write a message on behalf of the principal for Master Pankaj Mahajan, the Head boy of the school informing him about the meeting and asking to ensure attendance of all the members of the house council.  The message should not exceed 50 words.  Put the message in the box.    (5 marks)

 

MESSAGE FOR THE HEAD BOY  Urgent meeting of House council Agenda:  falling standard of discipline Today during recess in the Principal’s office Attendance must for all members Head boy to inform other members

 

B2       Suppose you are Anurag Verma.  You come across an advertisement about a guided/package tour to Uttaranchal.  Write a postcard in not more than 50 words to Blue Hill Adventure Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd. to enquire about the package tour for your family of four.    (5 marks)

 

B3       You come across  the following advertisement in a newspaper and feel that you should place an article for the school magazine and try to encourage the students of the school to read more books and develop a sense of responsibility amongst all to give a helping hand to stop the extinction of the reading habit.    (10 marks)

 

 

You are cordially invited to INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR From 14th November to 30th November At Pragati Maidan, New Delhi 14 Pavilions of over 500 National and International Publishers are participating in the fair     ENTRY FREE     Timings:  10.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

 

 

B4       You are Karan and you have just read an article in the newspaper titled “The Hottest Summer Ever Recorded”.  Write a letter to the editor of an English newspaper giving your opinions on the reasons why temperatures are rising and suggesting preventive measures.  Use ideas from the input given as well as from the Unit on ‘Environment’     (10 marks)

 

SECTION C (Grammar)

 

 C1: In the given passage, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the missing word along with the word that comes before and the word that comes after it. Underline the word that forms a part of your answer.    (4 marks)

 

Diabetics tightly control e.g.,Diabetics who tightly their blood sugar levels cut    (a)

their risk heart attacks and    (b)

strokes in half, long-awaited federally    (c)
funded study shows.

The findings, nearly 1,400 diabetics    (d)

who have followed for more than   (e)

 a decade, provide first direct evidence    (f)

that the risk the most serious complication    (g)

of the disease, affects millions     (h)
of Americans, can be minimized

 

C2       Mahesh was a witness to a robbery in his locality.  He is being interviewed by Ramesh, a reporter from the crime page.  Complete the dialogue given below in a suitable way.  Write the answers in the answer sheet with the correct blank numbers.                    (4 marks)

 

Ramesh   :  So Mahesh, You saw the robber snatch the bag from the old lady which (a)………………..?

Mahesh   :  He ran towards the railway line.  I saw him jumping into a carriage.

Ramesh   :  Was (b)………………..?

Mahesh   :  No, it was not moving.  I also jumped into it.

Ramesh   :  Were (c)………………..?

Mahesh   :  No I was not afraid.  I have seen it happening in films many times

Ramesh   :  Why (d)………………..?, he could have hurt you.

 

C3. Look at the newspaper items below.  Then use the information and complete the following.         (4 marks)

a) ------------------------------------------------

Three bombs blasted outside the Athens Police station on Wednesday in a series of time blasts, causing serious damage and rattling security forces just 100 days before the Olympic Games.

 

b) SECURITY SYSTEM AT SHANTINIKETAN TO BE ‘REDESIGNED’
The Vishwa-Bharti University authorities ………………………at Shantiniketan in the wake of last week’s theft at Tagore’s Memorial museum

 

c) ------------------------------------------------ A racket in printing and selling of fake documents was busted by the Police. One person has been arrested in this connection.

 

d). “5 LAKH JOBS TO BE CLEARED BY 2010”—PLANNING COMMISSION Mr Naresh Mathur, member of the planning commission said yesterday that ……………………… by the year 2010.

C4). Look at the words and phrases below. Rearrange them to form meaningful sentences. The first one is done for you as an example. (4 marks)

and a very / the king / named Acanthus / talented sculptor / Pygmalion was / of Cyprus / of a village Pygmalion was the king of Cyprus and a very talented sculptor of a village named Acanthus

a) had finished / he smiled / when he/ the ivory statue / of a beautiful woman / one day

b) smile / at having food / it was the innocent new and technique / of a child / something.

c) By the beauty / that / to worship it / he was / falling down / he felt like / so impressed / on his knees / of the statue.

d) That he / a masterpiece / and called / he realized / this beauty, / had created / Galatea.

C5) The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each of the lines. Write the incorrect word and the correction in your answer sheet against the correct blank number.  Remember to underline that you have supplied      (4 marks)

Children love picnics and outings of their parents e.g.  of ………
with though they are equally happier doing things with              (a)

them around the house.  A parent may make                           (b)

his child feels special by following some simple                         (c)

rituals. Bedtime stories, the game of cards or                          (d)

simply talking or laughing together before going to                    (e)

bed some give children a wonderful sense                               (f)

of well-being.  They hardly ever forgot these moments,            (g)
   

and cherish them throughout these lives                                (h)

 

SECTION D (Literature)

 

D1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.  Write each answer in one or two lines only.

 

She rewards me with tears and agitation of hands.

I am important to her.  She comes and goes.

Each morning it is her face that replaces the darkness.

 

(a) Who is the speaker and who is ‘she’? (1 mark )

(b) Why does she come there often? (1 mark )

(c) What is her reaction on seeing her image? (2 marks)

 

D2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.  Write each answer in one or two lines only.

And some in dreams assured were Of the Spirit that plagued us so; Nine fathom deep he had followed us From the land of mist and snow.  

(a) Who are ‘us’ referred to here?  (1 mark )

(b) Which was the spirit that plagued them?  (1 mark )

(c) Why was it plaguing them?  (2 marks)

 

D3. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.  Write each answer in one or two lines only.

 DECIUS BRUTUS:  This dream is all amiss interpreted;  It was a vision fair and fortunate:

 (a) Which ‘vision’ is referred to here?   (2 marks)

(b) What is Brutus’ interpretation of the vision?    (2 marks)

(c) Why did he interpret it such a way   (1 mark )

 

D4.       Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.  Write each answer in one or two lines only.

 

Mrs. CRATCHIT (bristling):  Mr. Scrooge indeed.  I wish I had him here:  I’d give him a piece of my mind to feast the poem, and I hope he’d have a good appetite for it.

 

(a) What is Mrs. Cratchit’s opinion of Mr. Scrooge?   (1 mark )

(b) How does Cratchit react to it?   (2 marks)

(c) What lesson did Scrooge learn from this sight?    (2 marks)

 

D5. in the lesson ‘The Tribute’ Babuli says, “My home—my village—they used to pull me away from the moribund of the city life.”(Answer should not exceed 75 words)

a) Why does Babuli refer to city as ‘moribund’?   (2 marks)

b) How did it draw him away from his home and his village later?    (2 marks)

 

D6. Imagine you are the postmaster and have just gone and laid Miriam’s letter on Ali’s grave.  You come back home and reflect on whatever’s happened. The newly awakened father’s heart in you is reproaching you for have failed to understand Ali’s anxiety.  As the postmaster write a diary entry in about 150-175 words outlining your feeling.  (8 marks)