CBSE SAHODAYA GUWAHATI CHAPTER

PRE-BOARD EXAMINATION (2023-24)

SUBJECT – ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)

CLASS -X
DATE OF EXAMINATION: 11-12-2023

TIME ALLOWED- 3 HOURS MAXIMUM MARKS – 80

General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, GRAMMAR & WRITING and
LITERATURE.
2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A – READING (20 marks)

1. Read the passage carefully:
RED CROSS: HOW HOPE EVOLVED
1. On June 24, 1859, Emperors Napoleon III and Franz Joseph I engaged in the Battle of Solferino,
commanding a combined total of about 270,000 troops onto the field for a single day of battle. Nearly
40,000 were dead, injured, or missing, many of whom were simply left to die on the battlefield. Later,
spectators crowded the fields, looking for loved ones, searching for items they could sell, or simply
taking in the horrors of the battle.
2. A Swiss businessman and social activist Jean Henri Dunant, who was traveling in Solferino
witnessed all this. Jean Henri Dunant witnessed the atrocities of war as well as the countries not
prepared or equipped to ease the suffering of those who had been injured in the Battle of Solferino.
Dunant organized a group of volunteers to help bring water and food to the injured, to assist with
medical treatment, or write letters to the families of those who were dying and he urged the public to
create an organization to provide relief to war victims. After that moment, he wrote the book, A
Memory of Solferino, which urged the public to create an organization which would assist the
wounded, regardless of which side they fought for during times of war. His writing inspired countless
others to rally behind him in the creation of the International Federation of the Red Cross.
3. The modern-day Red Cross began by devoting itself largely to disaster relief and epidemic treatment.
This effort continues to this day. One of the easiest ways you can help the Red Cross is to make sure
you are able to donate blood and make an appointment at the Red Cross website. But, donating blood
isn't the only way you can help out—the Red Cross also encourages donating your time if you can.
This is what the Red Cross wants everyone to know. The modern-day Red Cross is much more than a
mission to nurse soldiers during wartime. Due in large part to Clara Barton‟s direction of the
American Red Cross in the late 1800s, the group began to devote itself largely to disaster relief, and
epidemic treatment. This effort continues to this day.
4. During the coronavirus pandemic, the Red Cross was, among other things, distributing food,
connecting families, and supporting quarantine shelters. Red Cross societies exist in 190 countries all
over the world. Their mission: “… to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of
emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” This organization
bands together willing volunteers with worldwide issues in need of them and provides a channel for
anyone to help out in times of crisis.
On the basis of your reading of the passage given above, answer the following questions:
i. What is the correct order of the information given below: 1
I. Dunant organised a camp of volunteers.
II. Emperor Napoleon and Franz Joseph I fought a battle.
III. The book „A Memory of Solferino was written.
IV. Dunant travelled in Solferino.
(a) IV, III, II, I (b) I, II, III, IV (c) II, I, IV, III (d) II, IV, I, III
ii. The modern-day Red Cross does not deal with: 1
a) Blood donation c) Epidemic Treatment
b) Disaster Relief d) Writing a book
iii. The most appropriate sub-heading to para 2 of the passage is: 1
a) How International Federation of Red Cross Evolved!
b) Functions of Red Cross
c) The Contributions of Jean Henri Dunant
d) The Battle of Solferino
iv. Based on the reading of the passage, write in about 40 words how Henry Dunant‟s book was a
watershed moment in the development of the organisation? 2

v. The aid provided by Dunant‟s volunteers during the battle of Solferino was: 1
I. to help bring water and food to the III. to write a book
injured IV. to give relief in epidemic
II. to assist with medical treatment
(a) I and III (b) III and IV (c) I and II (d) II and III
vi. You can donate your blood and your _________ to Red Cross. 1
vii. Jean Henri Dunant participated in the war. (True/ False) 1
viii. The modern-day Red Cross has evolved a lot to this day. Assess the statement in about 40 words. 2

2. Read the passage carefully:

1. The Road to success is not straight; there is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion,
speed bumps called friends, caution lights called family, and you will have flats called jobs.
But, if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called
faith, and a driver called God, you will make it to a place called success!
2. In spite of all our planning and preparation, unexpected challenges are certain to arise. The
bumps in the road are unavoidable, but you‟ll never get to your destination if you aren‟t
willing to drive over them. The difference between a disaster and triumph lies in whether or
not you‟re prepared and willing to weather the storm. If you‟re ready, those bumps will
become stepping-stones.
3. The key thing to realize is that working harder is same as working smarter. How do you work
smarter? You just need to have the right skills. People want improved circumstances and better
life without an improved self. They want victory without paying the price or making efforts. It
really cannot happen without the other. Any improvements that have not been generated by
improving yourself are superficial and short-lived. If you want to have a better future, you
have to change yourself. Stop worrying about the various challenges that will come your way.
Just believe in yourself and use them as stepping-stones.
4. “Success is getting whatever you want out of life without violating the rights of others.” It is
not an accident. Success is the result of our attitude and our attitude is a choice. Hence success
is a matter of choice and not chance.
5. Today success represents a holistic and positive attitude to life. Attitude is everything. Success
is not restricted within some kind of brick-and-mortar premises. It assumes the individuality of
 a complete act executed with perfection; material achievements do not define life. We don‟t
remember sports stars for the products they endorse but the spirit of achievement they
represent. The abundance of positive attitude underlines the grandeur of a truly rewarding rich
life. Success can be measured from two standpoints—the external and the internal. Externally,
it is the measure of a job well done and recognition. Internally, it is the feeling of achievement
and wholeness derived from the completion of a task or fulfilment of desire.
On the basis of your reading of the above extract, answer the following questions:
i. The synonym of „surplus‟ as given in paragraph 5 is ______________ 1
ii. Complete the analogy- straight: curve:: failure : _______________ 1
iii. Working smarter implies: 1
a) Doing what others don‟t do. c) Doing something skilfully.
b) Doing what is not done before. d) Doing something out-of-the-box.
iv. Based on your understanding of the passage, give at least one example, in 40 words, of
true success that a student can attain in his/her life. 2
v. What is the difference between disaster and triumph? 1
vi. How can one have a better future? 1
vii. The bumps in our lives can become stepping-stones if we 1
a) work smarter. c) are focused.
b) work harder. d) Persevere.
viii. How can we judge our success? Answer in about 40 words. 2
SECTION B – GRAMMAR AND WRITING (20marks)
GRAMMAR
3. Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions, as instructed: (1X10=10)

i. Identify the error in the given sentence:

When I was young, I had worked for a local NGO.

Error Correction

ii. You _______not go there personally; just send someone.

a) may c) must
b) need d) should
iii. Identify the error in the given statement:
He has returned from London last week.
Error Correction

iv. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb given in the bracket.
It _______________all day yesterday. (rain)

v. Suddenly I ____________ that I ____________ them before.

a) had realised, met c) was realising, have met
b) realised, had met d) realised, have met
 vi. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the given line.
Yusuf can speak fluent French when they used to stay in Paris.

Option No. Error Correction

A speak speaks
B used to use to
C can could
D stay be staying

vii. Report Daniel‟s question:

Where is the report on this month’s sales, Joshua?

viii. This dress suits her style. She __________ definitely like it!
a) can b) could c) will d) may

ix. Report teacher‟s comment to Vivek:

Draw the diagram of the plant’s parts.

x. The good news is that ___________ volunteers dropped out this month than the last two.
a) fewer b) less c) few d) a little

xi. Winters in Alaska __________ be really cold. (Fill in the blank with a modal showing
possibility.)

xii. There‟s never _______ petrol left after Rahul uses the car.
a) much b) little c) many d) a little

WRITING

4. You are Mahesh, office in-charge at Vayusena School, Sant colony, Vishakhapatnam. Place an
order of stationery items for the school office to Modern Store, New Market, Vishakhapatnam.
OR 5
Write a letter to M/s. Oxford Publishing House, London complaining that the books sent by them
were not those you had ordered for. Ask for a replacement. You are Varun Joshi, Sector-20,
Chandigarh.

5. Given below is the SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of a candidate
applying for an internship at a company.
SWOT ANALYSIS
 Study the data carefully and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words on whether the
candidate should be hired or not.
OR 5
Read the following excerpt from an online post of a website on educational practices.
Kids who appreciate how much effort, time and care goes into growing food will understand how
important farmers are, and why it’s important to take care of our Earth. In the world of today,
gardening needs to be given more importance than sports, music and dance in all schools because it
creates environmental stewards and outdoor learning laboratories that help the child and
community for years to come.

Write a paragraph in 100-120 words to analyse the given argument.

SECTION C – LITERATURE (40 marks)

6. Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow ANY ONE:
A.
LOMOV: Never mind about my people! The Lomovs have all been honourable people,
and not one has ever been tried for embezzlement, like your grandfather!
CHUBUKOV: You Lomovs have had lunacy in your family, all of you!
NATALYA: All, all, all!
CHUBUKOV: Your grandfather was a drunkard, and your younger aunt, Nastasya
Mihailovna, ran away with an architect, and so on...
LOMOV: And your mother was hump-backed. [Clutches at his heart] Something pulling
in my side... My head.... Help! Water!
CHUBUKOV: Your father was a guzzling gambler!

i. Choose the option that correctly identifies the tone of the characters in the given extract: 1
1) antagonism 2) humour 3) contempt 4) irony
a) (1) and (2) b) (2) and (4) c) (1) and (3) d) (3) and (4)

ii. Imagine you found the playwright‟s notes for each scene in the play and noticed that some of the
words were missing. Choose the option that fills the missing words most appropriately. 1
A conversation that starts pleasantly quickly turns into a (i) ________ argument. With (ii)
_________ of Oxen Meadows at the heart of the matter, Lomov and Natalya quarrel and are later
joined by Chubukov. Thus, begins a (iii) ____ of insults, accusations and name-calling. All (iv)
_______ disappears. Eventually, Lomov leaves clutching at his heart, his foot numb.
a) (i) petty ; (ii) history ; (iii) series; (iv) politeness
b) (i) vicious ; (ii) ownership ; (iii) circus ; (iv) civility
c) (i) curious ; (ii) land ; (iii) outpouring ; (iv) laughter
d) (i) ugly ; (ii) neighbourhood ; (iii) barrage; (iv) goodness

iii. If according to Chubukov and Natalya, Lomovs are not “honourable people”, why do they still
consider Lomov‟s proposal? 1

iv. In the given extract, what social issue does the writer try to highlight? 2

OR
B. Our elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese
days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. Those eaters might have vanished
but the makers are still there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those
who bake the loaves. Those age-old, time-tested furnaces still exist. The fire in these
furnaces has not yet been extinguished. The thud and jingle of traditional baker‟s
bamboo, heralding his arrival in the morning, can still be heard in some places.

i. Pick the idiom that brings out the same meaning of „reminiscing‟ as used in the passage: 1
a) train of thought c) a trip down memory lane
b) commit something to memory d) jog somebody‟s memory

ii. Why does the narrator say that the furnaces were „time-tested‟? 1

iii. Those eaters might have vanished but the makers are still there. Pick the option that expresses the
tone of the narrator. 1
1) elated 2) morose 3) nostalgic 4) hopeful 5) sarcastic 6) critical 7) celebratory
a) 1 and 7 b) 2 and 6 c) 3 and 4 d) 4 and 5

iv. What does „fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished‟ imply? Why so? 2

7. Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow ANY ONE:
A.
Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus,
The Crocodile you always may
Tell from the Hyena thus:
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep, they‟re Crocodiles.

i. Choose the option that DOES NOT describe a „novice‟. 1

a) Lakshman has played cricket for the first time today.
b) Samiksha has been teaching for last ten years.
c) Srishti went for her first French class yesterday.
d) Gautam baked a second cake to improve his skills.

ii. Which option lists the image that DOES NOT indicate what the poet means by „beasts of prey‟? 1

a) Option 1 b) Option 2 c) Option 3 d) Option 4

iii. What, according to the extract, would cause bewilderment? 1

iv. Which examples show that the poet takes liberty in using language in this poem? Why? 2
 OR
B.

An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy

As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went. I would not intrude on him;

i. The poet uses the word „ultimate‟ to describe the boy‟s reaction. Pick the meaning that DOES
NOT display what, „ultimate‟ means in the context given. 1
a) consequent b) final c) conclusive d) fateful

ii. The boy is very young in this poem. As a mature, balanced grown-up, he might look back and
think that his reaction of „ultimate shaking grief‟ was 1
1) disproportionate to the loss.
2) pretension to procure a new toy.
3) according to his exposure and experience then.
4) a reaction to the failure of retrieving the toy.
5) justified and similar to what it would be currently.
a) 5 & 2 b) 1 & 3 c) 2 & 4 d) 3 & 5

iii. Pick the option that lists the boy‟s thoughts, matching with the line-As he stands rigid, trembling,
staring down. 1

a) Option 1 b) Option 2 c) Option 3 d) Option 4

iv. Why does the speaker choose not to intrude? 2

8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions in about 40-50 words: (4x3=12)
a) Anne writes that it was fortunate that Mr. Keesing took the joke the right way. Why does she
feel so?
b) The use of symbolism in the poem Fire and Ice conveys the poet‟s message effectively. Expand
with reference to the poem.
c) Justify the poet‟s allusion to Rapunzel in Amanda.
d) Elucidate any one quality that Siddhartha demonstrated when he gave up his status and family.
Explain your choice.
e) The advice given by elders is crucial to young lives. Explain in the context of the poem For
Anne Gregory.
9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in about 40-50 words: (2x3=6)

a) Griffin‟s brilliance as a man of science fades before his darker traits. Comment.
b) Why do you think Mr. Weiherer was pleased that Richard Ebright not only put in the
nightly research hours towards butterflies, but also his other interests?
c) What made Mme Forestier exclaim in astonishment, when she saw Matilda, years after
the Minister‟s ball?

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. (1x6=6)

a) Natalya and Ivan argued about the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the superiority of
their respective dogs in the play, The Proposal.
Imagine yourself as the playwright of the play. Based on your understanding of the
personality traits of Natalya and Ivan, write a dialogue based on an imaginary event, show-
casing another argument between them.
OR
b) Read the extracts given below and comment on the difference in the nature of help both the
characters, of these two stories, received.
I. Suddenly I came out of the clouds and saw two straight lines of lights in front of me.
It was a runway! An airport! I was safe! I turned to look for my friend in the black
aeroplane but the sky was empty. [The Black Aeroplane]
II. All through the night Lencho thought only of his one hope: the help of God…The
following Sunday, at daybreak he began to write a letter…It was nothing less than a letter
to God...The following Sunday Lencho came a bit earlier than usual to ask if there
was a letter for him…. Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money, such
was his confidence. [A Letter to God]

11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in 100-120 words. (1x6=6)

a) Hari Singh says- “He knew it but neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything.”
Anil successfully addressed the situation by not addressing it at all. Elaborate based on
your reading of The Thief’s Story.
OR
b) Read the following quote by an American author, E. E. Hale.
“I am only one but, I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let
what I cannot do interfere with what I do.”
Bholi‟s evolution from a „dumb cow‟ to a „masterpiece‟ supports the given quote. Justify.

************