Mandsaur International School, Mandsaur

Term-I / Half Yearly Examination (2024-25)

Class: X (SET-2) Subject:-ENGLISH

Duration :-3 Hrs MM:-80
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 Text Book
iii. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

Q.N. Questions Marks

SECTION A - READING SKILLS

Q.1 Read the following passage carefully:

1. Hiking is a great source of pleasure to us besides being beneficial for health. Once we leave
the crowded streets of a city and go out for a walking tour away from the mad world, we really
feel free. The open air has a bracing effect on the mind. The congestion of the city, the uproar
and tumult, the intolerable noise of traffic, the hectic daily routine, all these are forgotten and the
mind is at ease. We then feel like running, leaping, singing and laughing. We travel merrily mile
after mile in the company of friends and associates.

2. Hiking takes us in the midst of nature. The sight of waterfalls, flowers, streams, trees and
bushes is pleasing. A connect is established between us and nature. Various sounds of nature, like
the murmur of a brook or the song of a bird, acquire a new meaning and significance to us.

3. You enjoy the beauty of nature. Minute observations like a snake casting its slough, a mouse
peeping out of its hole, a squirrel leaping about on the branches of a tree, a bird flying past us, all
these are noticed and they arouse our interest. We have no business worries, no fear of the
examination, no anxiety about the home. We have leisure to stand, to walk and talk. It is more
thrilling and pleasurable to hike in a mountainous region than in the plains. The excitement of
climbing up to the top of a hill, the adventure of coming down a slope, the grandeur of sunset
behind a mountain - All these sights lend a rare charm and interest to our journey.

4. We walk along a zigzag motor road or cut across a mountain path in search of adventure. We
may have bright sunny weather or might get caught in a shower of rain. We may look below us
into the yawning chasm or up at the mountain peak. The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our
hearts leap with joy.

5. Hiking is one of the healthiest sports. It ensures a complete escape from the urgent and busy
activities of life and therefore gives solace to our brain. It regains its lost energy and is able to do
twice as much work as before.

6. The fresh air, beautiful mountains, majestic trees, chirping sound of birds make one's mind and
soul at peace with nature..
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:

i. Based on the reading and understanding of the above passage, list 2 reasons why hiking is
considered beneficial.
(a) ________ (b) ________ 1
 ii. Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the following sentence from
paragraph 1: "The open air has a bracing effect on the mind."
(a) Fresh air causes discomfort and unease. 1
(b) The fresh air refreshes and strengthens the mind.
(c) Open air leads to congestion in the mind.
(d) The open air reduces physical strength.

iii. Based on your reading of the passage, examine in about 40 words how hiking connects us 2
with nature.

iv. What is the tone of the writer in the given line from paragraph 3? Rationalize your response in 2
about 40 words:
"It is more thrilling and pleasurable to hike in a mountainous region than in the plains."

v. The phrase 'yawning chasm' in paragraph 4 refers to: 1

(a) a wide and deep gap (b) a narrow and shallow gap
(c) a bridge connecting two areas (d) a small and safe path

vi. In sets a-e below, identify two sets of synonyms:

a. hectic and calm b. solitude and peace
c. bracing and refreshing d. adventure and monotony 1
e. charm and allure
Options:
a. c and e b. a and d c. b and c d. b and e

vii. Complete the sentence appropriately: 1

Hiking is thrilling because it involves ________.

viii. Complete the following sentence: 1

The fresh air and beautiful scenery during a hike ________.
Q.2 Read the passage given below:

1.Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience
water shortages, life didn't grind to a halt. Why? Because a retired civil engineer in the Jammu
and Kashmir Government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.

2. Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 meters above sea level, has a low average
annual rainfall rate of 50 mm . Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture is
completely dependent on glacier melt, unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the
years, with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been
changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the extreme winter
conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.

3. It is located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one closer to the
village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during April-May, the crucial sowing
season. Further, layers of ice above melt with the increasing temperature, thus ensuring
continuous supply to the fields. Therefore, farmers have been able to manage two crops instead
of one. It costs about 1,50,000 and above to create a glacier.

4. Fondly called the glacier man, he has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh
since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort, he was conferred the Padma Shri by The
President of India.
 5. There are a few basic steps followed while creating an artificial glacier. River or stream water
at high altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is
blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter i.e., in November, the diverted
water is made to flow on sloping hills facing distribution channels. Stone embankments are built
at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools which
freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months
resulting.in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an 'artificial glacier'.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:

i. Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph 1. 1

Areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortage but life didn't grind to a halt.

ii. Select from the passage the appropriate option to fill in the blanks: 1
Agriculture is completely dependent on ________ unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India.
a. rainfall pattern b. climate change
c. glaciers melt d. extreme winter conditions
2
iii. Write any two steps followed while creating the glaciers.
iv. List two reason why artificial glaciers seem the best option.
2
v. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 3:
icing: cake:: layers: ________ 1

vi. Select the correct option to complete the following sentence:

At the start of winter the diverted water is made to flow ________. 1
a. on sloping hills facing distribution channels. b. on high altitude.
c. on ice-cold water level. d. on mountain range.

vii. Fill in the blank by selecting from the passage the correct option:
The ________ have been the only source of water in areas in and around Ladakh. 1
a. glaciers b. rivers c. streams d. water springs

viii. The word 'located' in paragraph 3 means ___________. 1

SECTION-B GRAMMAR 10
Q.3 Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed
1The young soldier ____ that he _____ in the battle.
a) fears / is killed b) feared / was killed
c) fears / will be killed d) will fear / would be killed

2. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the following.
The crowd ________ the police barriers and attacked the hunters.
a) broke up b) break up c) break through d) broke through

3. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given
portion of a letter:
This selfless initiative carried out with dedication and responsibility, ________ (deserve) due
recognition.

4. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given
portion of a letter:
I have just ________ (appear) for my senior secondary board examination and am interested in
pursuing a course in Visual Communication.

5. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given
portion of a letter:
To ensure that this project gains strength, schools may ________ (organize) puppet shows and
street plays

6. I ________ be able to help you, but I'm not sure yet.

a) should b) might c) could d) would

7. Stein spoke in a voice so low that the judge repeatedly ________ her to speak up.
a) could ask b) had to ask c) used to ask d) would ask

8. He ________ rather have tea than coffee.

a) might b) should c) would d) could

9.Both players in the tennis match have been warned by the referee but ________ of them
seems to take it seriously.
a) every b) none c) either d) neither

10. There is ______ water left, so drink only if you must.

a) much b) some c) little d) none of these

11. Complete the line from a self-awareness song, by filling the blank with the correct
option.
Long, Long afterward in an oak
I ________ the arrow still unbroke,

a). found b). find c) . finds d) . am finding

12. Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following:

Government of Haryana
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
‘Nagar Van’ are being established for the objective to make the cities pollution free
 Use the given format for your response
error correction

SECTION B -CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

Q.4 You are Chitra/Chitranjan, 55, Brindavan Lane, Bhopal. Write a letter in 100-120 words to the 5
editor of a local newspaper expressing concern about the misbehaviour of some auto-rickshaw
drivers in the city.
OR
You are Vikram/Vanya, Librarian, B.S. Public School, Delhi. Write a letter to the Manager of
Amar Publication House, Mumbai, placing an order for 4 sets of Social Studies books for grades
6-8 published by N.C.E.R.T. in not more than 120 words. Mention school discount, mode of
payment and date of delivery.

Q.5 The bar chart shows the number of times per week (in 1000 s), over five weeks, that three
computer packages were downloaded from the internet. Write an analytical paragraph by
selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

OR
The chart given below shows loss of forest cover on account of development/commercial
activities in Uttarakhand. Write an analytical paragraph in 100 - 120 words on the basis of the
information given in the chart.

Commercial activities Loss of forest cover (in hectares)

Mining 8,760 ha

Road construction 7,539 ha

Power distribution lines 2,332 ha

Hydropower plant projects 2,295 ha

Other smaller activities (Railways, 20,998 ha

defence work, construction of
buildings, etc.)
SECTION C - LITERATURE
Q.6 Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.
6
A. He discovered the joys of being bowled over, tramped on and squashed every few minutes. He
became an accepted member of the gang, an unlikely, silky little object among the shaggy crew,
fighting like a tiger for his share at mealtimes and hunting rats in the old hen house at night. He
had never had such a time in his life. All the while, Mrs Pumphrey hovered anxiously in the
background, ringing a dozen times a day for the latest bulletins. (CBSE QB,2021)

1. Read the following statements, each of which describes the gist of the given extract. Select (1)
the option that captures the essence of the extract correctly.
Statement I – It highlights the kind of comforts and luxuries that Tricki was used to at home.
Statement II – It brings out a contrast between Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey’s state of being.
Statement III – It reflects that Tricki was happier at the surgery, and loved being with other dogs.
Statement IV – It shows Tricki’s journey with his peers at the surgery, and documents his
recovery.
A. Statements I and II B. Statements III and IV
C. Statements I and III D. Statements II and IV

2. What does the reference to Tricki as a “silky little object” signify? (1)
A. Tricki was a very small and rather pampered dog.
B. Tricki was comfortably attired in fine silks and warm coats.
C. Unlike the other dogs, Tricki had lived in the lap of luxury with care and grooming.
D. The narrator’s mockery of Tricki’s life and treatment with Mrs. Pumphrey.
.
3. Why does the narrator describe being “tramped on and squashed” as joys? (1)
A. To suggest the irony about the strange ways of dogs.
B. To mention the simple pleasures of canine life.
C. To compare it to Tricki’s earlier play-time at the house.
D. To direct attention towards Tricki’s successful recovery.

4. “All the while, Mrs Pumphrey hovered anxiously in the background”. Given below are (2)
different types of pet parenting styles described in Country Living, an e-magazine.
Choose the option that best reflects the kind of pet owner Mrs. Pumphrey was.
1. Traffic Light pet owners have a healthy balance of rules and freedom and give clear and
consistent signals for ‘yes’ and ‘no’.
2. Entranced pet owners have the best intentions, but as soon as their pet locks eyes with them
and gives their command, they are at their pet’s beck and call.
3. The Goose pet owners go all-out in protecting their pet. They often limit their time away from
their pets, especially puppies.
4. The Baggage Handler pet owners love being close to their pets and going on adventures
together. They are always mindful of the pet’s comfort and security .

A. Option 1 B. Option 2 C. Option 3 D. Option 4

5. Pick the option that reveals Tricki’s characteristics in the context of ‘fighting like a tiger
for his share at mealtimes and hunting rats in the old hen house at night.’ (1)
1) selfish 2) happy 3) greedy
4) confident 5) sturdy 6) cruel

A. 2, 4 and 5 B. Only 2 C. 1 and 5 D. 3, 4 and 6

B. He was soaring gradually downwards and outwards. He was no longer afraid. He just felt a bit
dizzy. Then he flapped his wings once and he soared upwards. “Ga, ga, ga, Ga, ga, ga, Gaw-col-
 ah,” his mother swooped past him, her wings making a loud noise. He answered her with another
scream. Then his father flew over him screaming. He saw his two brothers and his sister flying
around him curveting and banking and soaring and diving. Then he completely forgot that he had
not always been able to fly, and commended himself to dive and soar and curve, shrieking shrilly

1. Which option clearly identifies the state of the seagull family as mentioned in the extract? (1)
a. They were trying to save each other from drowning
b. They were celebrating the first flight of the coward seagull
c. They were having a feast of herring
d. They were dancing

2. Why were the father and mother seagull screaming? (1)

a. They were annoyed b. They were scared
c. They were happy d. They were mad
3. Why were his two brothers and his sister flying around him curveting and banking and (2)
soaring and diving?
4. Find word for the given phrase- to cry out in a high pitched sound. (2)

Q.7 Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. 4x1=4
A. But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
He hears the last voice at night,
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars
i). The fact that the tiger is ‘stalking the length of his cage’ tells us that he is
A. restless. B. reckless. C. resilient. D. reverent.

ii). What is the rhyme scheme of the given stanzas?

A. abcb; abcb B. abcb; abcd C. abcd; abcd D. abcd; abcb

iii). These stanzas bring out the contrast between

A. zoos and cities. B. strength and weakness.
C. freedom and captivity. D. visitors and patrolling cars

iv). The tiger’s ‘brilliant eyes’ reveal that he

A. hopes to be free and in the wild, someday.
B. is looked after well and is nourished and healthy.
C. enjoys staring at the bright stars each night.
D. is well-rested and hence, wide-awake.

B. “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. Between which animals would it be difficult to differentiate?

ii. How does a Hyena differ from a Crocodile?.
iii. Quote a saying famous for Crocodiles.
 iv. Where does a novice may get confused?
Q.8 Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words 4x3=12
1. How does a tiger create terror for the villagers?
2. Fire and Ice projects a pessimistic outlook. Comment.
3. Why did Lencho show no surprise on seeing the money?
4. Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are
made of sandstone?
5. What risk did the writer take while flying? Why?
Q.9 Answer the following questions, in about 40-50 words. 2x3=6
1. How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room?
2. Why does Horace Danby get angry when anyone talks about ‘honour among thieves’?
Q.10 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words 6
1. “Then he completely forgot that he had not always been able to fly.” Comment on the young
seagull’s first flight in light of this statement

2. What differences came in Mandela’s opinion about the meaning of freedom, when he was a
little boy and when he became young?
Q.11 Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. 6
1. Imagine that the young lady thief writes a letter to Horace Danby while he is in prison. Write
the letter imaging yourself to be that young lady with respect to the story.

2. Why did the thief make friends with Anil? Why did he steal Anil's money? Why did he come
back and put Anil's
money back