SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2022-23)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184)

CLASS-X
Time allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
2. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, GRAMMAR & WRITING and LITERATURE.
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

Section A: READING SKILLS 20 Marks

I Read the passage given below. 10

1 A noble purpose gives meaning to one’s own life and is of benefit to others. I realized this while
researching on and writing about the life of Jamshedji Tata. What gave one man living in a
colonized country the vision to advance it in the community of nations? He not only gave India
the power to steel and hydroelectric energy, but also an institution of research.

2 He sent an educationist to Europe and the United States to report on what should be the best
model for India. The John Hopkins University in Baltimore was recommended as the model. But
Jamshedji Tata made it a point to see that his name was not associated with the university. After
his death, his dream came true with the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science in
Bengaluru. It was to be the fountainhead of science in the decades to come.

3 There are others too whose purpose in life has made a difference to society. Mother Teresa had a
comfortable life at Loretto Convent, Kolkata. On a train journey to Darjeeling, she felt her ‘calling’
and wanted to give up her comfortable life in the convent and serve the poor and the needy.

4 After that, she took a three month nursing course and returned to Kolkata. She devoted her time
to the sick and the homeless. Touched by her sacrifice, some of her students joined her and work
began. Not everyone has such a strong calling. When I asked her how one could be sure of one’s
calling, she replied, “Deep down in our hearts we know exactly what our calling is, if we are
sincere.’’ One’s purpose is shaped over a period of time, but every noble purpose is based on a
feeling for the suffering of others and our desire for alleviating that condition.

Page 1 of 15
 (302 words)
Adapted—

[Link]

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. 1x10

i Bring out the unique character traits of Jamshedji Tata? (Paragraph 1) 1

ii Why did Jamshedji Tata send an educationist to Europe and the USA? (Paragraph 2) 1

iii Based on your reading of the text, list 2 facts about the Indian Institute Of 1
Technology. (Paragraph 2)

1)
2)

iv Who had a comfortable life at Loretto Convent, Kolkata? (Paragraph 3) 1

V Which of the following purposes gives meaning to one’s own life and is of benefit to 1
others? (Paragraph 1)
1. Novel Purpose
2. Nobel Purpose
3. Agile Purpose
4. Science Purpose

Page 2 of 15
vi How can we find our calling? (Paragraph 4) 1

vii Which of the following words means the same as ‘lessening’? (Paragraph 4) 1
1. Alleviating
2. Feeling
3. Homeless
4. Devoted

viii Indian Institute of Science does not bear the title of whom? 1
1. Ambani
2. Tata
3. Birla
4. Reliance

ix Where is the Indian Institute of Science situated? 1

1. Hyderabad
2. Pune
3. Delhi
4. Bengaluru

x Mother Teresa felt her ‘calling’ when she was traveling by train to _____________ . 1

II Read the passage given below. 10

1 We have but one method of acquiring knowledge. From the lowest man to the highest yogi, all
have to use the same method, and that method is called concentration. The chemist who
works in his laboratory concentrates all the powers of his mind, brings them into one focus
and throws them on the elements, and the elements stand analyzed, and thus his knowledge
comes. The astronomer also concentrates the powers of his mind and brings them into one
focus and then throws them onto objects through his telescope and stars and systems roll
forward and give up their secrets to him. So it is in every case—with the professor in his chair,
the students and his books—with every man who is working to know.

Page 3 of 15
2 The more this power of concentration is, the more is the knowledge acquired, because this is the
one and the only method of acquiring it. Even the lowest shoeblack, if he pays more
concentration, will polish shoes better, the cook with his concentration will focus all his attention
on the work in hand and will cook a better meal. In making money or in worshiping God, or in
doing anything, the stronger the power of concentration, the better will be that work done.

3 Even though concentration is the key to acquiring knowledge—Concentration itself is not easy
to attain. It is a skill that can be developed only through a lot of patience and practice. He who
masters it is a real ‘yogi’. To control our senses and to gather all our awareness into one focus is
by no means an easy task. Life itself is complex and there are invariably several issues vying for
our attention which makes it even more difficult to focus on only one thing. Even if we try to
concentrate fully on the work at hand, our subconscious mind is scattered in varied directions
and soon drags our conscious mind along, without even realizing it. It therefore requires a lot of
discipline, will power and self-control to focus or concentrate.
However, the effort is worth it and pays rich dividends in the form of accomplishment of our
goals. This is the one call, the one knock which opens the gate of nature, and lets out floods of
light.

(380 words)
Adapted – [Link]

i What is the prerequisite for acquiring knowledge? 1

ii What examples of professionals, who use their powers of concentration are cited in the 1
passage?(Paragraph 1)

iii Why is concentration so difficult to attain?(Paragraph 3) 1

iv List some qualities essential to attain concentration? 1

Page 4 of 15
 v ‘Acquire’ is a verb. Give the noun form of this verb. (Paragraph 1) 1
1. acquiring
2. acquirement
3. acquisition
4. acquire

vi Which word in the passage means ‘unchangingly’? (Paragraph 3) 1

1. invariably
2. varied
3. vying
4. various

vii Find from the passage the antonym of ‘gathered’: (Paragraph 3) 1

1. directions
2. concentrate
3. focus
4. scattered

viii Yoga is a practice that combines meditation, deep breathing and stretching exercises. 1
What is a person who performs yoga called? (Paragraph 3)
1. yogi
2. ascetic
3. hermit
4. meditator

ix The passage deals with methods of: 1

1. acquiring knowledge
2. being a yogi
3. meditation
4. concentration

x What is concentration? 1

Page 5 of 15
III SECTION B –GRAMMAR

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10

i Fill in the blanks with suitable form of verbs given in brackets: 1

He ...... in the last war. (has been killed, was killed)

ii Make correct sentence with the suitable forms of the verbs given in brackets: 1

I (see) the Taj Mahal and know how beautiful it is.

iii Fill in the blanks with the most suitable modals from brackets: 1

It's going to rain all afternoon........... we go to the cinema? (Shall, Should)

iv Fill in the blanks with appropriate conjunctions: 1

You have opposed me, ........ I cannot help you.

1. So
2. Since
3. For
4. Therefore

v Change into indirect speech: 1

“Yes, I have broken the cups," admitted the maid.

Page 6 of 15
vi Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions: 1

He was very ashamed ........his rude behavior.

vii Fill in the blanks in the paragraph with suitable modals: 1

Susan ......... hear the speaker because the crowd was cheering so loudly.

viii Change the voice: 1

When will you have completed your work?

ix The sentence against each of these questions has a portion bold. 1

There are four alternatives for the bold portion. Select the option which best describes the
bold portion with correct English.

Chin tan is so innocent that he wears his heart on his sleeve.

1. wears dress that does not match
2. expresses his feelings openly
3. wears colorful dresses
4. expresses his feelings with the shape of heart printed on its sleeve

x In the sentence there are four parts and one of these parts contains errors. 1
Find out and mark that part as your answer.

He is the most (1) / intelligent and also (2) / the very talented (3) / student of the college.
(4) / No error (5)

Page 7 of 15
xi Correct the following sentence: 1

The thief was able to easily make his escape.

xii Change the voice: 1

When will the police have caught the thief?
IV SECTION B –CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 10

All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental.

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

A. Accidents in big cities is a common phenomenon. Unfortunately, hardly anyone comes

to the rescue of road victims because of fear of harassment by the police. Now that
the Supreme Court has issued guidelines that people who take road victims to a
hospital will not be questioned or detained, there is no reason why bystanders /
passersby should hesitate to help road victims and thus, discharge their duty as
responsible citizens. Write a letter in 100-120 words to the editor of a national daily
requesting him to make people aware of Supreme Court guidelines and urge them to
help people in distress. You are Shom / Shobha, 24, Raj Nagar, Kanpur.

OR

B. You bought a flat at Ganpati Apartments, Mathura but within a period of two
months, you have started facing a lot of problems like seepage in the walls and
ceilings, leaking sanitary fittings, lift getting stalled etc. Write a letter of complaint to
the Works Manager. You are Nidhi.

Page 8 of 15
2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5

A. The given chart shows the division of household tasks by gender in Great Britain. Write
an analytical paragraph describing the chart in not more than 100-120 words.

OR
B. Below given are three pie charts showing consumption habits of India, China and
World overall in 2008. Write an analytical paragraph describing the pie charts (100-120
words).

Page 9 of 15
 SECTION C - LITERATURE 40

V Reference to the Context 10

1 Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 5

1.A “We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege
to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our
distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the
people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace,
for human dignity.”
(Nelson Mandela Long Walk To Freedom)

i. The guests at the spectacular ceremony are being called distinguished because they 1
A. They have been invited as guests to attend it.
B. They are eminent world leaders witnessing it.
C. They are visiting the country for this purpose.
D. They have resumed diplomatic relations with the country.

ii. It is a victory for ‘human dignity’. Pick the option that lists the correct 1
answer for what ‘human dignity’ would include.
A. i) equality ii) liberty iii) indecency
B. i) liberty ii) indecency iii) self-respect
C. i) immorality ii) self-respect iii) equality
D. i) equality ii) liberty iii) self-respect

iii. Why does the speaker say that it is a ‘rare privilege’? He says this as they have 1
A. been deprived of this honour.
B. seldom been given this honour.”
C. experienced it for the first time.
D. been chosen over other countries, for this honour.

iv. Pick the option that showcases the usage of ‘host’ as in the extract. 1
A. He was praised for his hospitality as the host of the party.
B. She was able to host the event without any hindrance.
C. She met the host and apologised for her friend’s misbehaviour.
D. He is the best host that one can ever come across.
v. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take 1
possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory
for justice, for peace, for __.
A. Human Dignity
B. Violence
C. Sports
D. Nation

OR

1.B “’Paper has more patience than people’ I thought of this saying on one of those
days when I was feeling a little depressed and was sitting at home with my chin
in my hands, bored and listless, wondering whether to stay in or go out. I finally
stayed where I was, brooding: Yes, paper does have more patience, and since I’m
not planning to let anyone else read this stiff backed notebook grandly referred
to as a ‘diary’, unless I should ever find a real friend, it probably won’t make a bit
of difference.”
(From The Diary Of Anne Frank)

Page 10 of 15
i. ‘Paper has more patience than people.’ What does this imply? This implies that Anne 1
A. believed in the power of writing more than speaking to people.
B. felt that she could pour her heart out on paper without any hindrance.
C. had more faith in sharing her thoughts and feelings with paper.
D. felt that she could share her feelings openly on paper.

ii. If the diary were a ‘real friend’, what qualities would Anne expect it to have? Pick the 1
option that lists these correctly. 1. optimistic 2. good listener 3. confidant 4. energetic
5. non-judgemental 6. outgoing 7. ambitious
A. 1 & 4
B. 5, 6 & 7
C. 2, 3 & 5
D. 3 & 7
iii. Pick out the sentence that brings out the meaning of ‘brooding’ as used in the extract? 1
A. The mysterious house on the hill is still brooding above the village.
B. The people at the stock market always keep brooding about the gains.
C. He was brooding over the matter and took a long time to decide.
D. Suspense and drama were brooding at the site of the investigation.

iv. Anne doesn’t plan to let anyone else read her diary as 1
A. She is secretive about her life.
B. It's about her intimate feelings.
C. She is unwilling to share it with anyone.
D. She wants to cherish these moments herself

v. What has more patience than people? 1

Page 11 of 15
2 Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. 5

2.A All night the roots work

to disengage themselves from the cracks
on the veranda floor.
The leaves strain toward the glass
small twigs stiff with exertion
long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof
like newly discharged patients
Half-dazed,
moving to the clinic doors.
(The Trees)

i. Choose the option that lists the examples of exertion. 1

1. Neha had been up all-night keeping accounts and now she’s resting.
2. Swati was running for five miles non-stop last evening.
3. Hemant is watching his favorite show and having snacks.
4. Sachin helped a senior citizen board a flight in the morning.
a) 1, 2 b) 2, 3 c) 3, 4 d) 1, 4
ii. The phrase, “newly discharged patients” suggests that the trees were 1
A. angry or irritated because they were not receiving medical help or remedy, but
now they're cured and want to stay away from clinics.
B. discontent or disturbed and in need of support from the clinic staff, but now
their complaints have been addressed and they are content to live their lives.
C. misunderstood or mistreated and in need of medical attention or care, but now
they're healthy and ready to step out and promote the facility.
D. unwell or unhappy and in need of medical help or remedy, but now they're
cured and ready to venture out and live their lives.

iii. State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE: 1

In the above extract, the roots of the tree work all day.

iv. The extract talks about trees breaking out of confined spaces. This is a reference to 1
women
A. shifting away from their domestic confines.
B. seeking revenge for their age-old oppressions.
C. realizing the difference between friends and enemies.
D. focusing on their family and home

v. What are the roots working for? 1

Page 12 of 15
OR

2.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 favor 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. Choose the CORRECT statement about the given poem. 1
A. Fire and ice are images—they help the readers visualize the power of nature
over man.
B. Fire and ice are symbols—not of natural disasters, but of humanity’s ability to
create disasters of its own.
C. Fire and ice are elements—not of Nature but man-made and possess the ability
to create havoc for mankind.
D. Fire and ice are agents—they change the thinking of mankind from negative to
positive and bring harmony.

ii. Select the option that correctly classifies the connotations for fire and ice, as suggested 1
in the poem.
(1) rage (2) violence (3) indifference (4) hate (5) greed
A. Fire- 3,4; Ice- 1,2,5
B. Fire- 2, 5; Ice-1,3,4
C. Fire-1,3,5; Ice- 2, 4
D. Fire- 1,2,4; Ice- 3,5

iii. The poem is a _________, put across by the poet. 1

A. powerful warning
B. heart-felt apology
C. earnest appeal
D. vengeful threat

iv. Pick the option that is NOT TRUE about the poet according to the extract. The poet 1
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

v Sate True or False for the above statement. 1

The poet thinks he knows enough of hate.

Page 13 of 15
VI Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each. 4*3=12

i. Anne says that there were so many dummies in the class that about 3
a quarter of them shouldn’t be promoted. Is she being rude or
brutally honest? Evaluate.
(From The Diary Of Anne Frank)

ii. The culture, lifestyle and traditions of a place are influenced by the people who lived 3
or settled there at some point of time. Cultural assimilation adds flavor to the existing
structure of a society. Summarize your opinion on the given idea.
(Glimpses Of India)

iii. When we think of losses, we generally think of people or possessions. Time is 3

considered a very precious commodity. Explain why time can probably be one of the
things people bitterly regret losing/wasting.
(The Ball Poem)

iv. Fire and Ice projects a pessimistic outlook. Comment. 3

v. ‘Dust of Snow’ is one of Frost’s most loved poems. Elaborate why you think this is so. 3

VII Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2*3=6

i. It’s not easy to be mean to people who are very nice to you. Do you think that the 3
young thief had to work on giving himself valid reasons to be able to commit the
theft? Or did the thieving come as naturally to him this time, too? Write a brief
analysis of his mood before the theft.
(The Thief’s Story)

ii. Max was unprepared for his mission. Discuss with reference to the chapter “The 3
Midnight Visitor”.

iii. Do you find the story based on being invisible a mere figment of one’s imagination or 3
a phenomenon that is plausible? Elaborate with your opinion.
(Footprints Without Feets)

VIII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 1*6=6
i. Anne was a sensitive and mature girl. From the chapters and poems in your 6
textbook, First Flight, think of any two characters who could be her friends or
confidantes. Analyze the common character traits that would help in creating this
special bond of friendship.

OR

ii. Imagine that Walt Whitman and Nelson Mandela are invited to engage in a discussion 6
on the topic - ‘Man’s Journey – Vices, Virtues and Vision’. Based on your reading of
‘Animals’ and ‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’, present the similarities and
differences in their viewpoints and vision of human beings in the form of a
conversation. OR Nelson Mandela is more hopeful about human kind than Walt
Whitman. Do you agree? Support your opinion based on your reading of ‘Animals’ and
‘Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’.

IX Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words. 1*6=6

i. Read the following quote. 6

“We are too involved in materialistic things, and they don't satisfy us. The loving
relationships we have, the universe around us, we take these things for granted.
- Mitch Albom
Matilda was never satisfied with her life and desired more. The given quote reflects
her character. Justify.
(The Necklace)

Page 14 of 15

OR

ii. At the end of the play one is told that five centuries later Noodle has acquired the 6
position of Think- Tank. Through your understanding of both the characters, pen
down the account of events that could have led to ThinkTank’s replacement by
Noodle.
(The Book That Saved The Earth)

Page 15 of 15
Solution/Hints
Section A
I
i. He gave India not only the power to steel & hydroelectric energy, but also an institution of
research.
ii. An educationist was sent to Europe to report on what should be the best model of a
research institute for India.
iii. Two facts about Indian Institute of Science:
a. The John Hopkins University in Baltimore was recommended as the model.
b. It was to be the fountainhead of science.
iv. Mother Teresa had a comfortable life at Loretto Convent, Kolkata.
v. 2
vi. If we are sincere, deep down in our hearts we know exactly what our calling is
vii. 1
viii. 2
ix. 4
x. Darjeeling
II
i. Concentration and complete focus on the task is the prerequisite for acquiring knowledge. It
is the one and only method by which this goal can be accomplished.
ii. Every professional, seeking to enhance his knowledge, needs to concentrate. For instance, a
chemist has to focus all his attention on the elements in order to analyze them and an
astronomer studies the celestial objects through his telescope and observes them very
keenly to unfold the secrets of nature.
iii. Concentration is extremely difficult to attain as there are numerous distractions that compel
an individual to think of several things while performing a task and thus the mind drifts away
from focus.
iv. To attain concentration, one needs to have a lot of patience and practice, discipline, will
power and self-control to focus.
v. 3
vi. 1
vii. 4
viii. 1
ix. Method of acquiring knowledge.
Section B
III
i. Was killed
ii. Have seen
iii. Should
iv. 4
v. The maid admitted that she had broken the cups.
vi. Of
vii. Couldn’t
viii. 'When your work will have been completed by you?'
ix. 2
x. 3
xi. to make his escape easily
xii. 'When will the thief have been caught by the police?'

Section C
IV
1A
i. B
ii. D
iii. C
iv. B
v. A
1B
i. B
ii. C
iii. C
iv. B
v. Paper
2A
i. A
ii. D
iii. False
iv. A
v. All night the roots work to disengage themselves from the cracks on the veranda floor.
2B
i. B
ii. D
iii. A
iv. C
v. True