JOHN F.

KENNEDY PUBLIC SCHOOL

CLASS: X HALF YEARLY EXAM SUB.: ENGLISH
TIME: 3 HRS. M.M.: 80
SECTION A (READING) – 10 MARKS
Q1. Read the passage given below: (5)
(1) Food preferences of humans have changed dramatically over the years, as the ‘contemporary food’
remains totally unrelatable to our grandparents. There is no connect between the food our forefathers
used to eat and the food today's generation opts for. This reflects the new age food approach that has
undergone major alternations due to various reasons.
(2) The disciplined approach of our grandparents towards food has, unfortunately, ceased to exist in
today's world. Food used to be revered in olden times and people were committed to have their meals
at fixed timings. They never used to overlook the need to have food at specific timings. They would
never consider food secondary to their work. Their bodies were accustomed to receive food at the
same time everyday unlike modern way of consuming food. The junk food was totally unknown to
them, the times when eating out concept did not exist at all, occasions mean cooking something
different, may be a richer and more delicious meal and enjoying it together with near and dear ones.
(3) Moreover, people were in the habit of having freshly prepared meals and vegetables on regular basis.
The means and amenities to preserve food were not as advanced as they are today. Health was of
prime importance so the lifestyle that was chosen supported good health over everything else. The
food industry that has apparently made life simpler by making comfort food available for working
class of today's generation has become extremely strong. They have provided plenty of so-called
healthy options that the youth doesn't need to think twice before opting for them and if one can afford
to buy these expensive food items meant to lure the elite class then the aim behind producing such
items is achieved. They are given fancy names in order to look them the only health saver products in
today’s life.
(4) The new approach that has modified the way food was considered years ago, has proven to be the
major factor behind choosing these easy options to satiate taste buds in general. Who has the time and
the inclination to cook food after long working hours? Who wants to sweat and devote time in the
kitchen to cook a meal when there is convenience of satisfying hunger just by opening a disposable
box for which you might have to pay quite a lot?
(5) Standing in queues to order food or ordering food online, eating out often or having something that
needs “2 minutes” of cooking time or microwave a ready to eat meals are the contemporary choices for
today’s consumer. Be it a ‘take-away’ or ‘dine-in’ option, one ends up paying at the cost of one's hard-
earned money and health that is being neglected to fulfill other commitments, and this is the modern
way of living where to reduce the waistline we are ready to devote time in a gym rather than putting in
some effort to cook a customised meal for achieving better health conditions.
(6) However, there is a ray of hope for today’s consumer has awakened to the fact that health is wealth
and they are going for the options of buying organic veggies, renting a piece of farmland to grow your
own veggies, hiring a cook for everyday cooking instead of eating out on daily basis, understanding
the significance of ‘going back to the roots’ and avoid consuming ‘refined’ products. The effort to
prevent health problems is there, hope that today's people understand the real meaning of being alive
rather than just running after money and forget to live life.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any TEN questions from the twelve given below:
1. The phrase ‘remains unrelatable’ in para 1 means:
a) One diet becoming almost unrecognisable to our older generation.
b) The food choices today are similar to what our grandparents used to consume.
c) No healthy options in today’s diet.
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 d) Price difference between food our ancestors bought and what we buy these days.
2. The motto of people in olden times regarding food was ……………….
a) to consume raw food whenever hungry
b) to have small and frequent meals
c) to worship food and have a healthy approach towards eating food
d) to consume food as per individual convenience and preference
3. A richer meal refers to …………..
a) an expensive meal c) an elaborate meal
b) fatty and oily meal d) a meal difficult to cook
4. Why were meals freshly prepared?
a) Food couldn’t be stored for long. c) People were health conscious.
b) Stale food wasn’t considered healthy. d) All of the above.
5. ‘Elite’ class of the society refers to …………..
a) the rich and high-status people c) people with complex thought process
b) the ‘have-nots’ of the society d) none of the above
6. Fancy names are given to …………..
a) commonly available food c) exotic food claiming to have health benefits
b) organic food d) regional food items
7. Comfort food refers to …………..
a) convenience food c) easily digestible low-calorie food
b) complicated and complex food d) popular foods
8. Food that requires “2 minutes” of cooking time may be known as …………..
a) fast food b) traditional food c) occasional food d) healthy food
9. In today's busy world, people follow the concept of …………..
a) 3 square meals b) stress snacking c) healthy eating d) fasting
10. A customised meal refers to …………..
a) A meal suitable to all c) the most economical meal
b) the healthiest meal option d) a meal designed as for individual’s requirement
11. In today’s life, what compromises one makes to fulfill basic needs like food?
a) Undue shedding of money c) Palatability of food
b) Ignoring health requirements d) All of the above
12. Which proverb justifies the phrase ‘ray of hope’?
a) Every cloud has a silver lining. c) A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
b) Might is right. d) A stitch in time saves nine.

Q2. Read the passage given below: (10)

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Drastic increase in number of vehicles on Indian roads over the past few decades is a major concern in
dealing and reducing road accident cases. With the increase in vehicles on Indian roads and traffic in
metropolitan due to several reasons, the rate of accidents in India has risen majorly. Road accidents is a
grave issue for the country. It comes up as a more complex problem than it seems with each survey that
has been conducted and presented in front of the masses. When the severity of this issue is highlighted,
planning is carried out, departments are setup to deal with the situation but nothing specific and concrete
is achieved so far. There are several issues and challenges connected to road accidents in the country. For
instance, disregard for speed limits, reckless driving, unfavourable weather conditions, driving under the
effect of alcohol and plenty of other reasons. As a result, number of accident cases and relative deaths
have risen beyond control. The fatality rate has become an area of concern. The authorities plan to reduce
the number of road accidents through the implementation of traffic rules needs to be thrusted upon masses
appropriately.
Based on the reading of the passage answer any TEN questions from the twelve that follow:
1. Disregard for speed limits is a form of ……………… while driving.
a) hastening b) bustling c) jostling d) hopping
2. Reckless driving is caused due to ………………
a) honking by other drivers on the road c) road conditions
b) driver’s own discretion on how to drive d) traffic rules
3. Unfavourable weather conditions may lead to ………………
a) hit and run cases on the road c) car racing
b) random sight-seeing plans d) none of the above
4. Drunken driving is a / an ………………
a) option b) criminal offence c) traffic rule d) driver’s prerogative while driving
5. ……………… may add phenomenally to number of road accidents.
a) defective mechanism of the vehicle c) overtaking justifiably
b) following the traffic signs d) none of the above
6. Barsilia Declaration stands unsuccessful as ………………
a) the drivers on the road continue to drive carelessly
b) there is no adherence to work required to make it function
c) the duration for the declaration to be valid is over
d) the state of the ground is not favourable
7. MVAA is an act that emphasises upon ………………
a) honking by other drivers on the road c) road conditions
b) driver’s own discretion on how to drive d) traffic rules
8. Slashing of penalty rates by several states against MVAA proved to be ………………
a) a loophole for the effective implementation of the act
b) a tool for effective implementation of the act
c) a breather for the motor vehicle user
d) a step towards raising opposition against the act
9. Proper road signage refers to …………………
a) signs aiding free flowing traffic movement
b) display of safety measures on roads
c) providing information for routes, directions and warnings for road users to avoid chaos
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 d) demonstrating development on road safety in metropolitans

10. Which of the following demonstrates a vague traffic direction?

a) b) c) d)

11. Black spot as mentioned in the shared information above refers to ………………
a) potholes on the road c) unsafe area on the road
b) possibility of encountering wild animals on the road ahead d) accident prone area
12. What conclusion do you reach on as per the information given above?
a) There's lots of ambiguity regarding implementation of the planning.
b) Lot of work has been made functional to prevent road accidents.
c) Improvement is needed in the field of introducing further road safety acts.
d) The Indian roads are not safe for a great driving experience.

SECTION B (WRITING AND GRAMMAR)

Q3. Complete the following dialogues converting the direct speech into indirect one. (1 x 3 = 3)
Boy: Would you like to come with me for the music concert at the auditorium?
Girl: I saw the concert last month.
Boy: Let's go for a picnic.
The boy asked the girl (i) ………….. come with him for the music concert at the auditorium. To which
the girl replied that she (ii) …….…. the concert the last month. The boy nodded and suggested (iii) …..
…..
(i) (a) that if she would like to (c) she would be liking
(b) if she would like to (d) would she like to
(ii) (a) saw (b) had seen (c) had been seeing (d) was seeing
(iii) (a) to go for a picnic (c) that they can go for a picnic
(b) that they should have gone for a picnic (d) let's go for a picnic

Q4. Find the error in each line of the following passage that has not been edited. There is one error in each
line. Write its correction against the correct blank number. The first one has been done for you. (3)
Incorrect Correction
Music transcend us to ecstasy E.g. transcend transcends
Put his heart and soul into (a) …… ……
it and experience a real (b) …… ……
happiness yourself. All notes of music have many depth to (c) …… ……

Q5. Attempt any four parts of the six given below: (4)
1. Choose the correct option to transform the given statement to a command.
You are my saviour.
a) Please, will you be my saviour? c) Be my saviour.
b) Save me. d) None of the above
2. Choose the following statement to its exclamatory form.
You are very intelligent.

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 a) How intelligent are you! c) Are you very intelligent?
b) How intelligent you are! d) None of the above
3. Eventually, they got bored as there was ………………… to keep them occupied.
a) little b) anything c) few d) much
4. We have ………………… food to last for this week. So, we will go to buy more next week.
a) enough b) some c) many d) little
5. ………………… you like to join me for dinner?
a) Can b) Should c) Will d) Would
6. One of the platters ………………… continental food.
a) are b) have c) has d) contain

Q6. Attempt any one of the following in 100 – 120 words: (5)
(a) You are the Cultural Captain of your school. You have been deputed to find out about tickets for
the movie ‘Gandhi’ for the school students on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Write a letter to
the manager of the Cinema Hall enquiring if special shows could be arranged for the students of
your school and concessions in the tickets. Enquire about the light snacks, time slots etc.
(b) You are Gautam Kumar, resident of B-206, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi. Your house was robbed
during daytime when you were away to your workplace. After reaching home, you got the shock of
your life as you found your home totally ransacked. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily,
drawing the attention of the concerned authorities to the deteriorating law and order situation in the
city and adopting some serious measures to prevent such mishappenings.

Q7. Attempt any one of the following: (5)

Below is the pie chart depicting a poll conducted from April 22 to 26, 2020 among 2200 U.S. adults about
their preference for attending sporting event due to spread of the virus. Write an analytical paragraph
giving all the information shared through the chart in about 100 to 120 words.

OR
Below is A bar graph showing the share of iOS and Android in the eight leading nations of the world.
Write an analytical paragraph in about 100 to 120 words giving details about the shared information.

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 SECTION C (LTERATURE) – 20 MARKS
Q8. Read the extracts given below and attempt anyone by answering the questions that follow: (5)
The house - the only one in the entire valley - sat on the crest of a low hill. From this height, one could see
the river and the field of ripe corn dotted with the flowers that always promised a good harvest. The only
thing the earth needed was a downpour or at least shower. Throughout the morning Lencho – who knew
his fields intimately - had done nothing else but see the sky towards the North East.
1. The only one in the entire valley refers to …………..
a) the only house in the whole valley c) the only farmer in the valley
b) the only house in the valley on the top of a hill d) none of the above
2. Who was Lencho?
a) A villager c) A farmer’s son
b) A destitute farmer d) The only farmer in the valley
3. The word that means ‘heavy rain’ is ……………
a) shower b) dotted c) downpour d) intimately
4. To ‘see the sky towards the northeast’ depicts …………….
a) Lencho was a nature lover
b) Lencho enjoyed his leisure time looking at sky
c) Lencho prayer to God looking high up in the sky
d) Lencho looked in the direction from which rain was expected
5. Choose the option that pictures the extract most appropriately:
a) c)

b) d)

OR
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. The great expanse of sea stretched down beneath,
and it was such a long way down - miles down. He felt certain that his wings would never support him; so
he bent his head and ran away back to the little hole under the ledge where he slept at night.
1. Who does ‘he’ refer to?
a) The seagull c) Seagull’s father
b) Seagull’s younger brother d) None of the above
2. Who does ‘them’ refer to in the extract?
a) Seagull and his friends c) His parents
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 b) His siblings d) None of the above
3. The seagull is ……………
(i) skeptical (ii) energetic (iii) fearful (iv) impulsive (v) lazy
a) (i) and (iii) b) (ii) and (iv) c) (i) and (iv) d) (iii) and (v)
4. The seagull is afraid of ………………
a) taking help from his parents c) the large expanse and depth of the sea
b) his siblings d) making an effort to take his first flight
5. Choose the correct statement:
a) The seagull loved to sleep c) The seagull didn’t trust his wings
b) He didn’t like the company of his siblings d) The seagull was very lonely
Q9. Read the extracts given below and attempt anyone by answering the questions that follow: (5)
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
1. Who is the protagonist in the extract?
a) The crow c) The nature personified
b) The poet himself d) None of the above
2. Why is the narrator feeling sad?
a) On finding a crow on the way. c) Due to sudden snowfall.
b) Due to an inauspicious tree. d) Experiences a rough day where he has bad
mood.
3. Narrator’s change in mood ……………
a) makes him feel worse c) is sudden and temporary
b) is favourable for him d) is permanent and lasts forever
4. The change in mood is brought by …………….
a) the crow c) tiny particles of snow
b) the hemlock tree d) All of the above
5. The crow and the hemlock represent ……………… in the poem.
a) gaiety and mirth c) expectation and affection
b) pessimism and pain d) temporary nature of human virtues
OR
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice
1. ‘It’ in the first line stands for …………….
a) the fire b) the ice c) the world d) hatred
2. The word ‘perish’ means ……………….
a) to survive b) to cherish c) to continue d) to end
3. ‘Ice’ symbolises ……………
a) insensitivity b) compassion c) energy d) heroism
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 4. Which of the following statements is justified in relation to the essence of the poem?
a) Fire and ice together are the components to bring this world to its end.
b) When people muster hatred in their hearts, they lose warmth & become cold and ruthless like
ice.
c) The world will never cease to exist.
d) The mood of the poem is of optimism.
5. The rhyme scheme of the given extract is ………………
a) ababa b) abcba c) ababc d) None of the above

Q10. Attempt any four out of the given five questions in 40 – 50 words each: 4 x 3 = 12
1. What is the significance of May 10 in the Chapter ‘Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom’?
2. Why does Anne decide to start writing her personal diary?
3. What are the many surprises that wait to be discovered in Coorg?
4. What kind of contrast is presented by the poet in the poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’?
5. What kind of turn hand tools do you find in the poem ‘How to tell Wild Animals’?

Q11. Attempt any two out of the given three questions in 40 – 50 words each: 2x3=6
1. Who is the narrator of the lesson ‘A Triumph of Surgery’? Why was he shocked?
2. Why did Fowler get disappointed on meeting Ausable?
3. What kind of man was Horace Danby? Was he a usual robber?

Q12. Attempt any one of the following in 100 to 120 words: 6 marks
“Oppressor and the oppressed are Alike – They are not free”. Justify the statement in the context of the
chapter Nelson Mandela – A Long Walk to Freedom.
OR
The young seagull is the symbol of a growing child. The parents of the seagull take good care of the little
bird. Write a paragraph on the topic: ‘Importance of parental care in the life of a growing child’.

Q13. Attempt any one of the following in 100 to 120 words: 6 marks
Loss is on essential and significant experience of one's life. Explain.
OR
Griffin had made a wonderful discovery; but rather than using his discovery for the benefit of mankind he
misused it. Justify.

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