Class X – English – 2023 – Paper 8

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Q.P Code: 2/2/1

ENGLISH

(Language and Literature)

Time allowed: 3 hours                                                                    Maximum Marks: 80

● Please check that this question paper contains 15 printed pages.

● Q.P. Code number given on the right hand side of the question paper should be written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.

● Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions.

● Please write down the Serial Number of the question in the answer book before attempting it.

● 15 minutes’ time has been allotted to read this question paper. The question paper will be distributed at 10.15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the candidates will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on the answer-book during this period

General Instructions:

Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:

(i) This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.

(ii) The question paper contains THREE sections –

Section – A : Reading Skills

Section – B : Grammar and Creative Writing Skills

Section – C : Literature

(iii) Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each Part.

Section – A

Reading Skills 20

1. Read the passage given below:

1 Organic food is very popular these days. It can also be very expensive. Some organic food costs twice as much as non-organic food. Parents of young children and even some pet owners, will pay high prices for organic food if they think it is healthier. But many others think organic food is just a waste of money.

2 There is one main difference between organic and non-organic food. Organic farms do not use agricultural chemicals such as pesticides that stop insects from damaging crops. In many countries, foods that claim to be organic must have special labels that guarantee they‘re grown organically.

3 Some people think organic also means ‘locally grown’ and originally it was indeed true. But over a period of time organic farming has become a big business, with many organic foods now being grown by large agricultural companies that sell their products far from where they’re grown. Processed food made with organic ingredients has also become more popular. At first, only small companies produced these products. But as demand overtook supply, big food companies that had been selling non-organic products for many years also began selling organic products.

4 Is organic food safer and more nutritious? This is an important part of the debate. Many farmers and consumers believe it is safer and more nutritious. They think agricultural chemicals can cause serious illnesses such as cancer, but there isn’t much evidence proving this is true. However, recent studies have shown that eating organically-grown produce reduces your chances of developing heart diseases. Many doctors think it is more important to stop dangerous bacteria from contaminating foods. These bacteria can contaminate both organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables, and doctors recommend washing produce carefully before eating it. Meat, fish and chicken can also become contaminated so washing your hands before handling these foods is also very important.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below : 10 x 1=10

(i) People are willing to pay high prices for organic food because

(a) it is not easily available.

(b) it helps in weight loss.

(c) it is produced by small companies.

(d) it does not contain agricultural chemicals.

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(ii) Select the option that displays what the writer projects with reference to the following :

Is organic food safer and more nutritious ? This is an important part of the debate.

(a) denial

(b) confirmation

(c) caution

(d) acceptance

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(iii) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph 3.

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(iv) The writer contrasts organic food to non-organic food.

State one point of comparison between the two.

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(v) Based on your reading of the text, list one benefit of eating organic food.

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(vi) What connect does the writer draw between contamination of food and washing hands ?

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(vii) The writer says that people believe that it is safer and more nutritious to eat organic food. Select the reason for his sceptical view.

(a) the price decides the popularity

(b) there is no confirmed evidence

(c) it is tastier

(d) it is marketed by big food companies

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(viii) Supply one point to justify the following :

Some people think organic also means ‘locally grown’.

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(ix) Supply one method of how we can control the contamination of organic and non-organic food.

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(x) List one factor that certifies food to be organic.

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2. Read the following passage carefully :

1 According to a new study, a vast blanket of pollution stretching across South Asia is cutting down sunlight by 10 per cent over India, damaging agriculture, modifying rainfall patterns and putting hundreds of thousands of people at risk.

2 It is said, “Acids in the haze may, by falling as acid rain, have the potential to damage crops and trees. Ash falling on leaves can aggravate the impact of reduced sunlight on the Earth’s surface. The pollution that is forming the haze could be leading to several hundreds of thousands of premature deaths as a result of higher levels of respiratory diseases.”

3 “The haze has cut down sunlight over India by 10 per cent (so far) a huge amount ! As a repercussion, the North-West of India is drying up” Prof. V. Ramanathan said when asked specifically about the impact of the haze over India. He said, “We are still in an early stage of understanding of the impact of the haze.”

4 Prof. V. Ramanathan was asked whether the current droughts in most parts of India after over a decade of good monsoons was owing to the haze. He said, “It was too early to reach a conclusion. If the droughts persist for about four to five years, then we would start suspecting that it may be because of the haze.” India, China and Indonesia are the worst affected owing to their population density, economic growth and depleting forest cover.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below : 10 X 1=10

(i) Infer one reason for the following based on the information in paragraph 1 :

In India rainfall patterns are changing.

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(ii) The pollution spreading across South Asia is affecting India by ________.

Choose the correct option from the ones given below :

(a) I, II and III

(b) I, III and IV

(c) II, III and IV

(d) I, II and IV

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(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 2.

possibility : _________ : : suspecting : doubting

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(iv) Select the correct option to complete the sentence.

 ___________ droughts were caused by the haze.

(a) Strong evidence suggested that

(b) Past surveys confirmed that

(c) There has not been enough time to determine that

(d) Superstitious people believe that

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(v) From the following pie chart, identify one reason each which does and does not contribute to weather disruption :

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For the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 2 (v) :

(v) List two phenomena which lead to weather disruptions.

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 (vi) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option.

Ash falling on leaves can __________ the impact of reduced sunlight on the Earth’s surface

(a) worsen

(b) encourage

(c) diminish

(d) support

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(vii) Substitute the word ‘repercussion’ with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from paragraph 3.

The haze has cut down sunlight over India … As a repercussion, the North-West of India is drying up.

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(viii) List any two countries which are affected due to depleting forest cover.

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(ix) Which of the following mean the same as ‘persist’ in ‘droughts persist’ as used in para 4?

(a) destroying

(b) halting

(c) continue

(d) blocking

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(x) Select the option that titles paragraphs 1 – 4 appropriately with reference to information in the text.

(a) 1. Impact of Pollution in South Asia

2. Effects of Acid Rain

3. Understanding Consequences of Haze

4. Debate over Droughts

(b) 1. Impact of Droughts

2. Understanding Acid Rain

3. Effect of Haze

4. Debate over Pollution

(c) 1. Impact of Pollution in South Asia

2. Effects of Acid Rain

3. Debate over Droughts

4. Understanding Haze

(d) 1. Impact of Haze

2. Understanding Acid Rain

3. Debate over Pollution

4. Effect of Haze

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SECTION B

Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 20 marks

3. Attempt any ten of the following twelve questions : 10  x 1=10

(i) The teacher motivated the students by letting them know that if they _________ submit their assignments by the end of the day, they might get an opportunity to watch the match.

(a) did not

(b) must

(c) would

(d) were

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(ii) Read the conversation between a coach and his player. Complete the sentence by reporting the player’s reply correctly.

Coach : Will you be able to report for morning practice during the summer break ?

Player : Sir, I will report every morning at 7 a.m. sharp.

The coach while talking to the player asked him whether he would be able to report for morning practice. The player affirmed __________.

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(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line from a daily newspaper :

The cars were stopped _________ going any further due to a traffic diversion.

(a) to

(b) from

(c) within

(d) by

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(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following traffic advisory :

Whoever drove a motor vehicle without a safety belt or carries passengers without seat belts will be fined.

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(v) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :

Not only did Mayank work hard to win the trophy, _________ helped the juniors to improve their skills.

(a) he as well as

(b) but he also

(c) and he also

(d) just as he

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(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word given in the brackets.

The names of the applicants were ________ (list) in the report and submitted to the manager.

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(vii) Complete the sentence with the appropriate option.

Two-thirds of the students _________ present at the inaugural function.

(a) is

(b) being

(c) was

(d) were

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(viii) Identify the error on a shop’s hoarding and supply the correction.

Use the given format for your response.

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(ix) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Ajay and his friend.

Friend : Ajay, did you buy a zoom lens with your camera ?

Ajay : No, I did not. I ran out of money.

Ajay friend asked Ajay whether he had bought a zoom lens with his camera. Ajay replied that he had not because _________.

(a) he was running out of money

(b) he has ran out of money

(c) he have run out of money

(d) he had run out of money

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(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.

His brother along with his friends ________ leaving for the stadium.

(a) are

(b) has

(c) is

(d) were

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(xi) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option :

The residents promised to _________ the President of the association in his demand for proper garbage disposal systems.

(a) stood by

(b) stand by

(c) stand against

(d) stood for

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(xii) Fill in the blank with the correct option :

The number of people attending this evening’s annual function is ________ than that of the previous year’s

(a) fewer

(b) few

(c) less

(d) much

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4. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below :                                                                             5

(A) You are Mohit/Mohita of E-46, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi. You came across news articles about neglect of elders in today’s society. Disturbed after reading the articles, you decide to write a letter to the editor of “The Hindustand Times’ stressing upon the need of sensitizing children to the plight and loneliness of the elders and to inculcate in them values of caring and sharing. You can also express your views on strengthening of family values. Write your letter in 100 120 words.

OR

(B) You are Rajni/Rakesh Kothari, Director, Marketing in Oil Spices Manufacturing Unit. You have observed the commitment with which your Assistant Manager works. Write a letter in 100 – 120 words to your Assistant Manager, Sadiq Qureshi, congratulating him on his work ethic and professional approach. Also include a mention of his commitment, sense of responsibility, good inter-personal skills and his spirit of team work.

5. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below :                                                                             5

(A) It is distressing to see the attitude of people towards animals. The number of cases of cruelty towards animals is increasing. The following pie chart represents the attitude of people towards animals. Write an analytical paragraph in 100 – 120 words interpreting the data given in the pie chart.

For the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 5 (A) :

(A) Write a paragraph on how cruelty towards animals can be stopped.

You may use the following inputs.

(i) adopt strays

(ii) put them in shelters

(iii) create community awareness

(iv) support animal care groups

OR

(B) Study the bar chart given below. The chart depicts the number of students in Class Twelve opting for Humanities, Science and Commerce streams in urban and rural areas. Based on the details given in the bar chart given below, write an analytical paragraph in 100 120 words.

For the Visually Impaired Candidates only in lieu of Q. No. 5 (B) :

(B) You are Rita/Rohan, Head Girl/Head Boy of your school. You decided to make the school population aware of the advantages of tree plantation and tell them how trees can serve as better air-conditioners.

Write an analytical paragraph in 100 120 words. Take the help of the notes given below :

SECTION C

Literature 40 marks

6. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below :

(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 5 x 1=5

I wrote the three pages Mr. Keesing had assigned me and was satisfied. I argued that talking is a student’s trait and that I would do my best to keep it under control, but that I would never be able to cure myself of the habit since my mother talked as much as I did, if not more, and that there not much one can do about inherited traits.

(i) Who was Mr. Keesing ?

(a) English teacher

(b) Social Science teacher

(c) Warden

(d) Principal

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(ii) According to the extract, the incorrigible habit possessed by the speaker was

I. making noise in class

II. talking too much

III. procrastinating

IV. coming late to class

V. asking irritating questions

Select the correct option :

(a) I and III

(b) Only II

(c) I, IV and V

(d) Only III

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(iii) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the extract.

routine : habit : : characteristic : _________

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(iv) Select the reason why the narrator is unable to control her trait.

(a) She had deliberately practised it.

(b) She wanted to be different from her brother.

(c) Her teacher had encouraged her to continue as she was.

(d) She had inherited it.

Ans. (d) she had inherited it.

(v) Which of the following most nearly means the opposite of the phrase ‘under control’

(a) to spend less

(b) unable to take on the challenge

(c) find it difficult to manage

(d) being very stubborn

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(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :                       5 x 1=5

His landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. In revenge, Griffin set fire to the house. To get away without being seen he had to remove his clothes. Thus it was that he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money and quite invisible – until he happened to step in some mud, and left footprints as he walked !

(i) Griffin’s landlord tried to eject him because

(a) he was a lawless person.

(b) he had set his house on fire.

(c) he didn’t like him.

(d) he was a drug addict.

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(ii) Fill in the blank with one word only.

Griffin deliberately removed his clothes because he wanted to become ________.

Ans. invisible

(iii) Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word ‘fire’ as used in this extract.

(a) Griffin said that he would fire the manager.

(b) The soldiers opened fire at the enemy.

(c) His remarks provoked heavy fire from the political opponents.

(d) The Amar Palace was completely destroyed by the fire.

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(iv) Griffin’s presence was felt when

(a) he jumped into the water with a splash.

(b) he wore clothes.

(c) he left muddy footprints.

(d) he stepped in mud.

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(v) Which of the following is not true with reference to the given extract ?

(a) Griffin had become penniless.

(b) Griffin promised to behave himself.

(c) Griffin revealed himself by his muddy footprints.

(d) No one could see Griffin when he took off his clothes.

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7. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below :

(A) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow :                       5 x 1=5

Or if some time when roaming round,

A noble wild beast greets you,

With black stripes on a yellow ground,

Just notice if he eats you.

This simple rule may help you learn

The Bengal Tiger to discern.

(i) Who is the ‘noble wild beast’ in the above lines?

(a) zebra

(b) Asian Tiger

(c) Asian Lion

(d) Bengal Tiger

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(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.

It is clear that ‘Alliteration’ is the poetic device used for ‘roaming round’ because ___________. (Clue : explain how alliteration applies here)

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(iii) State whether the following statement is True or False :

The extract helps to identify a Royal Bengal Tiger.

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(iv) In the given lines, what effect does the poet create ?

‘Just notice if he eats you.

This simple rule may help you learn

The Bengal Tiger to discern.’

(a) irony

(b) terror

(c) sympathy

(d) criticism

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(v) Which word in the extract tells you that you have recognised the ‘noble beast’ ?

(a) rule

(b) discern

(c) roaming

(d) notice

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(B) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow : 5 x 1=5

He hears the last voice at night.

The patrolling cars,

And stares with his brilliant eyes

At the brilliant stars.

He stalks in his vivid stripes

A few steps of his cage.

(i) Whose is the last voice heard by the tiger ?

(a) police jeep

(b) patrolling cars

(c) watchmen

(d) roar of lion

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(ii) Complete the sentence appropriately.

It is clear that ‘Repetition is the poetic device used for ‘his brilliant eyes at the brilliant stars’ because _________. (Clue : explain how repetition applies here)

Ans. creates a musical effect/emphasises the brilliance

(iii) The main contrasting ideas in this extract are

(a) tiger and deer.

(b) cruelty and sympathy.

(c) confinement and freedom.

(d) master and slave.

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(iv) The use of the word ‘stalks’ creates an image of

(a) cowardice.

(b) frustration.

(c) lethargy.

(d) purposefulness.

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(v) State whether the following statement is True or False :

The poem uses staring at the sky to symbolize the freedom ‘he’ yearns for.

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8. Answer any four of the following questions in about 40 50 words each : 4 x 3=12

(a) What is the Indian legend about the discovery of tea ?

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(b) What did Lencho hope for and why ?

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(c) “I’ll take the risk”. What is the risk ? Why does the narrator take it ? (The Black Aeroplane)

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(d) What impression do you form about Amanda in the poem ?

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(e) What did Siddhartha Gautama come across by chance when he was about twenty-five years old ?

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9. Answer any two of the following questions in about 40 50 words each : 2 x 3=6

(a) How did Hari Singh justify to himself his stealing Anil’s money ?

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(b) How did Ebright’s mother help him to become a scientist ?

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(c) Why was Mr. Herriot shocked at Tricki’s appearance?

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10. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100 – 120 words :                              6

(a) The people and surroundings are a great book to learn from. Valli in the lesson ‘Madam Rides the Bus’ learns a lot from others. Mention the traits of her character which help her to learn from people and her surroundings.

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(b) Mandela said, “People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.” Discuss.

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11. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100 – 120 words :                              6

(a) Mme Loisel’s disposition invites her doom. Elucidate with reference to the text.

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(b) Bholi was believed to be a ‘dumb cow’. What turned her into a fearless, bold and confident girl ?

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