Class X – English – 2023 – Paper 4

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Class X Exam 2023-24

English Language and Literature (184)

Time Allowed: 3 hours                                                                       Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections – READING SKILLS, GRAMMAR & WRITING SKILLS, and LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS.

2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION A: READING SKILLS (20 MARKS)

Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages

1. Read the following text.

1. Although pollution of land, sea and air has been well documented, the latest and the least recognised version is the swelling tide of noise which is engulfing urban as well as rural areas. This has long-term implications on the ecology, health, and productivity of a fast developing country like India.

2. Unlike other pollutants, noise lacks visibility, seldom registering on the consciousness, except as a trifling irritant to be dismissed at will, therefore, less likely to be perceived as a threat. Available data indicates that noise does pose a threat and is known to have caused a number of complications. Declining productivity among workers in certain industries has been directly correlated with noise levels, particularly these under constant exposure to the menace.

3. The first ever survey of the impact of noise on health, conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences, has established that noise not only impairs the physical and psychological functioning of the human organism, but also causes nausea, vomiting, pain, hypertension and a lot of other complications, including cardio-vascular complaints.

4. A study by Post Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, in Chennai, confirms such conclusions. In 50 per cent of industries, it was found that workmen exposed to higher intensities of noise in occupational capacities were often irritated, short-tempered, and impatients and more likely to resort to agitation and disrupt production. This was true of units in heavy industrial pockets in and around the four metropolitan centres.

5. Recreational noise, another ugly facet, is becoming more widespread in cities and towns. Loudspeakers are turned at full volume during marriages, festivals, jagrans, musical programmes, particularly at night, without the least consideration for others. Even at 50 db sound can awaken a person from a deep slumber. As experiments have shown, loudspeakers with output from 60 to 80 db cause the pupils of a slumbering person to dilate, with increasing intake of oxygen, resulting in palpitation. The effect is more pronounced in narrow lanes. TV sets are played at full volume at prime time, invariably disturbing neighbours. Noise-making seems to have become the latest status symbol, be it an election campaign or slogan shouting or advertising ownership of a TV set.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. Why does the writer say that noise has implications on our nation’s ecology, health, and productivity? Eliminate the incorrect option.

(a) Because it has overwhelmed both urban and rural areas.

(b) Because it is conveniently dismissed.

(c) Because its effects are well-documented.

(d) Because its effects are not well-documented.

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ii. What is the tone of the writer in the given line- ‘Even at 50 db, sound can awaken a person from a deep slumber.’ from paragraph 5? Rationalise your response in about 40 words.

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iii. Complete the sentence appropriately.

The author cites examples of noise pollution in heavy industrial pockets to conclusively prove to the reader that ………. .

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iv. The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) below, identify two sets of antonyms.

(a) physical and psychological

(b) in and around

(c) sea and air

(d) urban and rural

(e) cities and towns

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v. Complete the sentence appropriately.

The survey conducted by AHMS has established that noise not only impacts ………. but also impairs ………. by causing nausea, vomiting, pain, hypertension and cardio-vascular complaints.

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vi. Based on the reading of the passage, answer in about 40 words. How does the author define the consequences of recreational noise?

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vii. The author emphasises that ‘The swelling tide of noise has long-term implications on the environment, human health, and productivity.’ Which of the following options corroborates this?

(a) It has a lot of health complications.

(b) Human apathy to noise makes it an omniscient threat.

(c) It is considered a trifling irritant to be dismissed at will.

(d) It can make a person violent and disruptive.

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viii. What is the message conveyed by the author in the article?

Ans. Noise is as lethal as any other kind of pollution.

2. Read the following text.

1. According to the National Institutes of Health (NHI), fast foods are a quick alternative to home-cooked meals. They are also high in saturated fat, sugar, salt and calories. Eating too much fast food has been connected to, among other things, obesity, colorectal cancer and high cholesterol. Still the traditional family dinner is increasingly being replaced by eating “on the run”. As. a result, the time invested in food preparation is getting lower and lower. 54% of the Indians are aged below 25 years and eating out is their favourite outdoor entertainment. Much of the retail boom in India could be attributed to these young consumers.

2. Organized fast food service sector in India and elsewhere, busy lifestyles of people and dual-working families with children have provided the perfect platform for fast food companies to flourish, which offer quick meal solutions. As a result, the fast food industry has witnessed a tremendous growth rate. McDonald’s alone serves 46 million people worldwide each day. Fast-food chains are still less than 5% of India’s food services market-the global average rests at 20%.

3. India’s food services market was estimated at 24,236 billion in 2020. Fast food chains in India have a market size of 2348 billion and account for 54% of the total sales. This is estimated to reach 64% by 2025. Covid dealt a body blow to the food services industry because of long lockdowns. However, large players were quick to remedy the impact on business by scaling their existing delivery capabilities. Fortunately, these chains had the infrastructure and process for delivery services in place long before the spread of the pandemic, which enabled them to adapt swiftly to government regulations.

4. The large food chains are set to gain a bigger share of the food services market on the back of a young population, value pricing, and increased penetration in tier two and three cities. The more recent popularity of online food ordering and food delivery platforms has enabled food chains to reach more consumers. Fast food chain Burger King reported a blockbuster IPO last year; meanwhile, Domino’s pizza franchise in India recently revised its potential store opening target in India from the earlier 2,000 to 3,000. McDonald’s, Burger King, Domino’s plan to deepen their reach in India’s smaller cities, and benefit from a younger demographic expecting to clock a compound annual growth rate of 23% between 2021 to 2025.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

i. Complete the following analogy appropriately, based on your understanding of paragraph 1.

The convenience that fast food can be eaten ‘on the run’ is comparable with ………. on one’s person or in a handbag as opposed to having a desktop that keeps one tied to their work desk.

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ii. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets, based on your understanding of the passage.

We can infer that the large food service chains particularly in India were able to buffer their businesses and revenues during the pandemic owing to their ability to adapt to the new regulations, infrastructure and the flexibility of their delivery service is a ………. (fact/ opinion) because it is a/an ……….(subjective judgement/ objective detail).

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iii. “The traditional family dinner is increasingly being replaced by eating on the run”. Justify the following, in about 40 words.

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iv. Based on the results of the study, which two concerns showcase the flip side of the popularity of fast foods as referred to in the passage?

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v. Study the statement: ‘McDonald’s alone serves 46 million people worldwide each day.’ State any one inference that can be drawn from this.

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vi. Select the option that correctly displays what ‘demographic’ signifies.(Reference-Paragraph 4)

(a) Only (i)

(b) Only (ii)

(c) (ii), (iv) and (v)

(d) (i) and (iii)

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vii. Infer the reasons responsible for the large food chains set to gain a bigger share of the food services market on the back of a young population in India. Answer in about 40 words.

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viii. Three sets of statements about the trends in fast food sector in India are given below. Which of the following statements is CORRECT with reference to the study mentioned in the passage? (a) The share of fast food chains in food services market is below 5%.

(b) The share of fast food chains in food services market is 20%.

(c) Branded fast food services fall under unorganized sector in India.

(d) By 2025, the total sales in fast food market size will grow by 10%

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SECTION B – GRAMMAR & WRITING SKILLS

GRAMMAR

3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed.

i. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence.

The boys _____ to my lecture since 8 O’clock this morning.

(a) were listening

(b) have been listening

(c) had been listening

(d) None of these

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ii. Read the conversation between a mother and her daughter. Complete the sentence by reporting daughter’s reply correctly.

Mother: Why are you looking so worried?

Daughter: My exams are approaching.

Mother asked her daughter why she was looking very worried. The daughter replied that _____.

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iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line.

I _____ rather die than join the gang of terrorists.

(a) could

(b) should

(c) would

(d) can

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iv. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line :

A little political thinkers think that liberty and equality can’t go together.

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v. Complete the given sentence, by filling in the blank with the correct option :

They met you at night after you _____ your work.

(a) had finished

(b) have finished

(c) finished

(d) will finish

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vi. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.

Chris, in addition to his brother Zack, _____ (play) hockey on Saturday.

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vii. Report the dialogue between a doctor and a patient, by completing the sentence :

Doctor : You should take this medicine every day.

Patient : Should I take it before dinner or after dinner?

Doctor : No, you should take it after breakfast.

The Doctor advised the patient that he should take that medicine every day. The patient further asked if he should take it before dinner or after dinner. The doctor replied negatively and then said that _____.

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viii. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.

Some guys like to fights on even playing grounds, and some guys like to cheat.

Use the given format for your response.

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ix. Transform the following direct speech into reported speech :

He asked, “Will you be coming?”

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x. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.

My class teacher told me that I can work hard.

Use the given format for your response.

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xi. Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Radha and Shikha.

Radha : Do you know how to swim?

Shikha : Yes I know. I have learnt it during this summer vacation.

Radha asked Shikha if/whether she knew how to swim. Then Shikha replied in affirmative and also added that _____.

(a) she had learnt it during the summer vacation

(b) she has learnt it during the summer vacation

(c) she have learnt it during the summer vacation

(d) she had learn it during the summer vacation

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xii. Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:

Every people went to welcome the Indian Cricket team.

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WRITING

Note : All details presented in the questions are imaginary and created for assessment purpose.

4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.

A. Write a letter to the Editor of “The Times of India”, Delhi expressing your concern over the increase in the rate of road accident, rash driving and overcrowded road transport. You are Priya/Priyanshu living at B-47 Avas Vikas, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi.

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B. Write an application to your principal asking permission to remain absent from school for 5 days on account of your brother’s marriage.

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5. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.

A. The charts below show agricultural production in two different regions of the country. Write an analytical paragraph in 100-120 words by selecting and reporting the main features, and making comparisons where relevant.

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B. Given below is a newspaper report on the state of cancer prevailing in India. You have been asked to write an analytical paragraph on ‘Cancer – a silent killer’ Taking information from the clipping given below together with your own ideas, write this paragraph in 100-120 words. “In India, cities are more cancer-prone than rural areas. In the early 1990’s, we expected one out of 10- 15 urban Indians to get cancer in their life -time, that is every second or third family would have to face this disease. This is partly due to high levels of benzene in the air and also that the metros are exposed to high levels of pesticides in their foods. In order to check the steady growth of cancer in the country, the Government shall have to give priority to preventive action. At the same time measures to undertake improvement in facilities for the treatment of cancer shall have to be adopted.”

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SECTION C – LITERATURE

6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.

A. I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind. Anil made money by fits and starts. He would borrow one week, lend the next. He kept worrying about his next cheque, but as soon as it arrived, he would go out and celebrate. It seems he wrote for magazines-a queer way to make a living! (The Thief’s Story)

i. Why did ‘I’ feel that uniting for magazines was a queer way to make a living? Answer in about 40 words.

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ii. State True or False.

None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind.

(a) A hypothesis – a proposed explanation for a phenomenon

(b) An assumption – something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true

(c) A hyperbole – exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally

(d) A premise – a proposition that forms the basis of an argument

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iii. The information in the extract suggests that Anil could be a _____.

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iv. What did the narrator mean by ‘I made a little money this way’?

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B. I finished my poem, and it was beautiful! It was about a mother duck and a father swan with three baby ducklings who were bitten to death by the father because they quacked too much. Luckily, Mr: Keesing took the joke the right way. He read the poem to the class, adding his own comments, and to several other classes as well. (From the Diary of Anne Frank)

i. Anne Frank says that ‘Mr. Keesing took the joke the right way.’ What does she mean by this?

(a) Anne had turned the tables on her teacher.

(b) The teacher was already tired of her constant jokes in class.

(c) Anne Frank had a nasty sense of humour.

(d) Students are not supposed to crack jokes on their teachers.

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ii. What had transpired between Mr. Keesing and Anne Frank for her to feel relieved on seeing his response to her poem? Answer in about 40 words.

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iii. Why do you think Mr Keesing chose the title— ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’ — for Anne, to write on? This was so because he expected _____.

(a) Anne to express her inability to elaborate on such a topic.

(b) that this would embarrass Anne and would check her indiscipline.

(c) her to apologise and not repeat her talkative behaviour.

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iv. What does this extract tell us about Mr. Keesing as a teacher? Mention two qualities.

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7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.

A. Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household

A little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.

But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,

Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,

With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,

He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm. (The Tale of Custard the Dragon)

i. Fill in the blank with suitable words on the basis of your understanding of the given lines. Belinda paled and cried for help because she was _____ with _____.

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ii. What is the significance of the use of the words: fled, trickled down and mouseholed to describe the reactions of Belinda’s pets and how does this word choice contribute to the overall situation in the poem? Answer in about 40 words.

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iii. The words, ‘But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine’ show that _____.

(a) Custard was angry and ready to fight Ink and Blink.

(b) Custard was ready to move energetically.

(c) Custard was ready to attack the pirate.

(d) Custard was clearing his throat.

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iv. Comment on the poet’s use of language in these lines.

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OR

B. Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favour fire.

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.

(Fire and Ice)

i. How can ‘Ice’ bring an end to the world? Answer in about 40 words.

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ii. What figure of speech is used in the first line of the extract?

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iii. _____ can correctly replace the underlined phrase in the give line from the extract?

I hold with those who favour fire.

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iv. Pick the option that is NOT TRUE about the poet according to the extract. The poet

(a) is inclined to believe that the world would most likely end with fire.

(b) has heard divided opinions about the way the world would end in all likelihood.

(c) preaches love and kindness to combat the spread of hate among all.

(d) declares the power of ice to be as destructive as that of fire.

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8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words.

i. What was the effect of hailstones on Lencho’s crop ? (A Letter to God)

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ii. Young seagull tried to fly but he could not. Why was he afraid to fly ? (Two Stories About Flying)

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iii. Why should the tiger snarl around houses at the edge of the forest ? (A Tiger in the Zoo)

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iv. What makes Chubukov misunderstand the purpose of Lomov’s visit? (The Proposal)

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v. “Money is external”. What does the poet mean by this expression taken from ‘The Ball Poem’?

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9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words.

i. How did Ausable befool Max about the balcony? (The Midnight Visitor)

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ii. Griffin’s brilliance as a man of science fades before his darker traits. Comment. (Footprints Without Feet)

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iii. What does Noodle tell Think-Tank about the books? 3 (The Book that Saved the Earth)

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10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words.

A. Gotami comes to Buddha praying to him to revive her dead son. Buddha asks her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one has lost a child, husband, parent or friend. Through this simple act, Buddha communicates the most profound truth of life, not only to Gotami but also to the whole mankind. What is the truth that Buddha communicates? What lesson does Gotami learn? What changes would take place in a common man’s life if that truth is understood? (The Sermon at Benares)

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B. “Difficulties do come in our lives, but they are not there to stay forever.” Comment on this statement with reference to the poem ‘Fog’ by Carl Sandburg.

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11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words.

A. Albert Einstein said, ‘The important thing is to never stop questioning.’ Richard was a genius who proved this quote true. Justify. (The Making of a Scientist)

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B. Give a brief character sketch of Mrs. Pumphrey. What values are reflected through her character ? (A Triumph of Surgery)

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