CBSE Pre-board Exam 2024-25

Class 10th English Most Important Question

1. Read the text given below:
(1) Held every year on 21 May, UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for
Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlighting not only the
richness of the world's cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural
dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
(2) A recent international emergency has proved the intrinsic value of the
cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion, educational
resource or personal well-being in times of crisis. It has also underscored the
sector's potential to generate economic growth, something which is too often
underestimated. With the adoption in September 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development by the United Nations, and the resolution on Culture
and Sustainable Development adopted by the UN General Assembly in
December 2015, the message of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for
Dialogue and Development is more important than ever. The 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) can best be achieved by drawing upon the creative
potential of the world's diverse cultures and engaging in continuous dialogue
to ensure that all members of society benefit from sustainable development.
(4) Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace,
stability and development. Cultural diversity is a driving force of development,
not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a
more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. This is captured
in the culture conventions, which provide a solid basis for the promotion of
cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is thus an asset that is indispensable for
poverty reduction and the achievement of sustainable development.
(5) At the same time, acceptance and recognition of cultural diversity in
particular through innovative use of media and Information and
Communications Technologies (ICTs) are conducive to dialogue among
civilizations and cultures, respect and mutual understanding.
(6) In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.
Next, in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249,
declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and
Development, and in 2015, the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly
unanimously adopted the resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development,
affirming culture's contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable
development, acknowledging further the natural and cultural diversity of the
world, and recognizing that cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and
are crucial enablers of, sustainable development.
(7) The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of
the values of cultural diversity and to achieve the goals of the UNESCO
Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural
Expressions adopted on 20 October, 2005.
Answer the following questions based on the above passage:
(i) Based on the reading and understanding of the above passage, list 2 points
to describe the purpose of UNESCO leading the celebration of World Day for
Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
(a)___________________
(b)___________________
Answer. i To highlight richness of world’s cultures. To play essential role of
inter-cultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
(ii) Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the following
sentence from para (2).
The recent international emergency has proved the intrinsic value of the
cultural and creative sector at generating social cohesion, educational
resource or personal well-being in times of crisis.
(A) the real worth of cultural sector at generating social cohesion during
pandemics
(B) the real worth of creative sector at undermining the social cohesion during
an international emergency
(C) questioning the real worth of creative sector at generating education
resource during an international emergency
(D) highlighting the real worth of cultural and creative sector at generating
social cohesion and educational resource during an international emergency
Answer. (D) – highlighting the real world of cultural and creative sector at
generating social cohesion and educational resource during an international
emergency
(iii) Based on your reading of the passage, examine in about 40 words how
Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved.
Answer. Draw upon creative potential of world’s diverse cultures, engage in
continuous dialogue to ensure that all members of society benefit from
sustainable development.
A positive/appreciative/optimistic statement that highlights/emphasizes on
the advantages of a cultural diversity rather than viewing it as a cause of
undermining the situation/cultural diversity is dispensable for poverty
reduction/cultural diversity important for sustainable development (any
other relevant response for tone must be accepted)
(iv) What is the tone of the writer in the given line from paragraph
(4)? Rationalise your response in about 40 words: "Cultural diversity is an
asset."
Answer. A positive/appreciative/optimistic statement that
highlights/emphasizes on the advantages of a cultural diversity rather than
viewing it as a cause of undermining the situation/cultural diversity is
dispensable for poverty reduction/cultural diversity important for sustainable
development
(any other relevant response for tone must be accepted)
(v) The phrase 'bridging the gap' in paragraph (4) refers to :
(A) widening the differences
(B) connecting two desparate ideas
(C) supporting the bridging
(D) filling in the space between two connected things
Answer. (B) – 1 mark to be awarded to each child. There is error in the spelling
of the word ‘disparate’ which changes the meaning of the word completely.
(vi) In sets a-e below, identify two sets of synonyms.
a. arichness and poverty
b. intellectual and moral
c. reduction and promotion
d. essential and intrinsic
e. urgent and crucial
Options:
(A) a and c
(B) b and e
(C) d and e
(D) b and d
Answer. (C) – (d & e) essential and intrinsic Urgent and crucial
(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The Second Committee of UN General Assembly in 2015 adopted_____________
Answer. The resolution on cultural and sustainable development, affirming
culture’s contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development.
(viii) Complete the following sentence:
_______________is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development.
Answer. Bridging the gap between culture
2. Read the extract given below:
(1) The National Education Policy 2020 proposes the revision and revamping
of all aspects of education, including the educational structure, regulations
and governance, to create a new system which is aligned with the aspirational
goals of 21st century students. According to the policy, by 2025, at least 50%
of learners through the school and higher education system shall have
exposure to skill education, for which a clear action plan with targets and
timelines are to be developed.
(2) The policy aims to overcome the social status hierarchy associated with
skill education and integration of skill education into mainstream education in
all educational institutions in a phased manner. Beginning with skill exposure
at early ages in middle and secondary school, quality skill education will be
integrated smoothly into school and higher education.
(3) Every child will learn at least one skill and is exposed to several more. This
would lead to emphasizing the dignity of labour and importance of various
vocations involving Indian arts and artisanship.
(4) The development of skill capacities will go hand-in-hand with the
development of 'academic' or other capacities. To achieve this objective,
secondary schools will have to collaborate with Industrial Training Institutes
(ITIS), Polytechnics, Local Industry, etc. Skill labs will also be set up and
created in the schools in a Hub and Spoke model, which will allow other
schools to use the facility. Higher education institutions will offer skill
education either on their own or in partnership with industry and other
institutions.

For visually challenged students only:

Percentage of students in Skill Education in various countries is as follows:
India — 5%
Egypt — 30%
Denmark — 50%
USA — 52%
Germany — 75%
South Korea — 96%
Based on your understanding of the extract, answer the questions given
below:
(i) Based on the reading of the extract, list 2 objectives of NEP 2020.
Answer. - Overcome social status hierarchy associated with vocational
education.
- integration into mainstream education
- revision and revamping of all aspects of education
- aligning aspirational goals of 21st century with education system
(Any two points)
(ii) Fill in the blank with appropriate option from those given in the brackets,
based on the understanding of paragraph (4).
The statement:
"The development of skill capacities will go hand-in-hand with the
development of academic or other capacities" is a / an __________ (fact /
opinion) because it is a / an __________ (subjective judgement/objective detail)
Answer. An Opinion/a subjective judgement (the combination has to be
correct.) (1)
(iii) Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the statement given
below :
"According to the policy, by 2025, at least 50% of learners through the school
and higher education system shall have exposure to skill education."
(A) Maximum 50% learners shall have exposure to technical education.
(B) Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to technical education.
(C) Minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to skill education.
(D) Maximum 50% learners shall have exposure to skill education.
Answer. (C) – minimum 50% learners shall have exposure to vocational
education
(iv) Based on the understanding of the passage, complete the following
statement appropriately:
The benefit of the hub and spoke model will be __________
Answer. It will allow other schools to use the facility of skill labs
(v) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word / phrase
from paragraph (3):
Racism : condemn : __________ : respect
Answer. Dignity of labour/labour/artisanship
(vi) As per the Global Scenario which country has the maximum percentage of
students in Skill Education and what can be the possible reason?
Answer. South Korea – any appropriate reason related to South Korea
(vii) Fill in the following blank choosing the most appropriate option
from the ones given below:
As per NEP 2020, skill exposure will begin at _______
(A) middle and secondary school
(B) primary school
(C) higher school
(D) senior secondary school
Answer. (A) – middle and secondary school
(viii) Justify the statement - "The NEP will create an awareness and
appreciation of Indian arts and artisanship.'
Answer. any one relevant point from below -
- child will learn at least one skill
- understand dignity of labour
- appreciate Indian Arts & Artisanship
3. Complete ANY TEN of the following twelve tasks, as directed:
(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the
given portion of a letter:
Dear Sir
In response to your query, the document that ________ (explain)
our country's sustainability initiatives has been attached for your
consideration.
Answer. Explains
(ii) Read the given sentence. Identify the error and supply the correction in
the sentence:
The uniquely flavoured dish was interestingly enough to captivate my taste
buds.

Use the above format for your response.

(iii) Raashi and Ratul had a conversation about volunteer work.
Report Raashi's question.
Raashi: What challenges have you faced while volunteering?
Ratul: The main challenge is dealing with different personalities, but it's also a
great learning experience.
Answer. Raashi asked Ratul what challenges he had faced while volunteering
(iv) Read the dialogue between a librarian and a student.
Librarian: Welcome back! It's good to see you, young man!
Student: Thanks! I was overloaded with assignments, so I have not visited the
library this week.
Based on the conversation above, report the dialogue between a librarian and
a student by completing the sentence. The librarian greeted the student
warmly, expressing pleasure at his visit. The student
thanked her and explained that __________ which had limited his recent visits to
the library.
Select the correct option from those given below :
(A) he had been overloaded with assignments
(B) he has been overloaded with assignments
(C) he was overloaded with assignments
(D) he is overloaded with assignments
Answer. (A) – he had been overloaded with assignments
(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option in the bracket, to complete
the sentence :
The revised meeting agenda is attached and___________ (this those / it) needs to
be emailed to all participants before the meeting.
Answer. it
(vi) Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence from an e-
commerce website's return policy.
We offers a 30-day return policy on all unopened products purchased from
our websites.
Use the given format for your response :

Answer. Offer
(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for
the sentence from a public health campaign.
The campaign's goal is to increase physical activity among the younger.

Answer. (C) – youth

(viii) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct
option:
The internship at the tech startup had me____________ excited about the
potential of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
(A) feeling
(B) felt
(C) to feel
(D) feels
Answer. (A) – feeling
(ix) Report the dialogue between a vendor and his customer, by completing
the sentence:
Vendor: You look a little different today!
Customer: Yes, I just got a new haircut.
The vendor noticed that his customer's appearance had changed and asked
him about it. The customer admitted this, citing the fact that ____________
Answer. he had recently/just got a haircut
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence to
update the result of the regional science fair :
We have exciting news to share!
Our school _____________ first place in the regional science fair.
(A) awarded
(B) was awarded
(C) had awarded
(D) has been awarded
Answer. (D) – has been awarded
(xi) Complete the line from a song by filling the blank with the correct option:
The morning dew captures your essence,
The flowers and grass ________ your colour,
The Sunrise embraces your arrival,
As the dawn welcomes a new day.
(A) reflect
(B) reflects
(C) reflected
(D) shall reflect
Answer. (A) – reflect
(xii) Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence:
The public health campaign aimed in increase awareness of the risks
associated with underage drinking.
Use the given format for your response:

Answer. in ® to
4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below:
(A) There are daily reports in the newspaper of fatal accidents due to reckless
driving and road rage. Write a letter to the Commissioner of Traffic Police in
about 120 words suggesting the need to take stricter action against the
offenders. Recommend the use of social media to launch awareness campaigns
about the implications of irresponsible driving. You are Shantanu / Savita,
living at B-108 Krishi Apartments.
Answer. Suggested Value Points [these value points are a suggestion. Any other
relevant point must be accepted]
· Drawing the attention of the Commissioner of Traffic Police:
· Fatal accidents due to reckless driving and road rage
· Need for stricter action against offenders
· Need for use of social media to raise awareness
· Implications of irresponsible driving
OR
4. (B) A leading communication company 'Savera' is sponsoring a half
marathon run in your city to raise funds for 'Koshish' an orphanage. You are
Roshini/Roshan, school captain of Adarsh Vidyalaya. You are leading a batch of
hundred students in the half marathon to be held in your city.
Write a letter to the editor of a national daily emphasizing the participation of
school children in such programmes as part of voluntary community service.
Highlight the benefits of participation in such activities.
Answer. Suggested Value Points [these value points are a suggestion. Any other
relevant point must be accepted] · Drawing the attention of the editor · Half
marathon to raise funds for an orphanage (Koshish) · Need to sensitise school
children · Emphasis on participation of school children in such programs ·
Benefits of community service/participation
5. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below:
(A) The visual given shows the life cycle of a butterfly. Study the information
carefully and then summarise it in the form of an analytical paragraph. Make
comparisons and draw conclusions wherever applicable.
5. (A) For visually challenged students only:
The following are notes about the four stages in the metamorphosis of
butterflies. Summarise the notes in the form of an analytical paragraph:

Answer. Suggested Value Points [these value points are a suggestion. Any other
relevant point must be accepted] • Comparisons between the different stages
of a butterfly • Drawing conclusions wherever required
OR
5. (B) Study the table given below which shows the data on the hobbies of
students during summer vacations. Write an analytical paragraph in about
120 words analyzing what hobbies do boys and girls choose in their summer
vacations:

Answer. Suggested Value Points [these value points are a suggestion. Any other
relevant point must be accepted] • Analysis of hobbies taken up by boys vs.
those taken up by girls • Drawing inferences wherever required.
6. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the
given two :
(A) On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history.
In the first decade of the 20th century a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer
war and before my own birth, the white skinned people of South Africa
patched up differences and created a system of racial domination against the
dark-skinned people of their own land. The structure they created formed the
basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane societies the world has ever
known. Now, in the last decade of the twentienth century, and my own eighth
decade as a man, that system has been overturned forever and replaced by one
that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour
of their skin.
(i) Explain the feelings of the narrator when he said; "I was overwhelmed with
a sense of history."
Answer. · Mandela felt happy because of his role in ending Apartheid in South
Africa.
· He was overwhelmed remembering all the past events.
(ii) The system of racial domination has been replaced by a system that:
(A) confirms the education of the Blacks.
(B) recognises the rights and freedoms of all people.
(C) recollects the bitter experiences.
(D) focuses on the personality development.
Answer. B) recognises the rights and freedom of all people
(iii) Comment on the kind of society apartheid had created?
Answer. · A system of racial domination / segregation against the darkskinned
people in their own land. · One of the harshest and most inhuman societies of
the world.
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'patched up' in the given
sentence from the extract:
"...the white skinned people of South Africa patched up their differences..."
Answer. Appeased/repaired/mended (Or any other appropriate word/phrase
should be accepted)
OR
6. (B) I started right away at the Montessori Nursery School. I stayed there
until I was six, at which time I started in the first form. In the sixth form, my
teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, the headmistress. At the end of the year we were
both in tears as we said a heartbreaking farewell. In the summer of 1941,
Grandma fell ill and had to have an operation, so my birthday passed with little
celebration.
(i) "In the summer of 1941, Grandma fell ill and had to have an operation, so
my birthday passed with little celebration." State any one inference about
Anne from the above context.
Answer. Anne- sensitive girl/emotionally attached to grandmother. (Or any
other appropriate word/phrase should be accepted)
(ii) The first education of Anne started at _______
(A) some Kindergarten School
(B) a Nursery School
(C) Montessori Nursery School
(D) Elementary School
Answer. (C) – Montessori Nursery School
(iii) Who was Mrs. Kuperus? What kind of relationship did Anne share with
her?
Answer. Anne’s teacher in sixth form and Headmistress. Both had relationship
based on love and respect.
(iv) Substitute the word 'heartbreaking' with a word similar in meaning in the
following sentence:
"At the end of the year we were both in tears as we said a heartbreaking
farewell."
Answer. Emotional/poignant/painful (Or any other appropriate word/phrase
should be accepted)
7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the
given two :
(A) He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water pole
Where plump deer pass.
He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle's edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!
(i) State any one point of contrast between the tiger in the zoo and in its
natural habitat.
Answer. · Zoo- stalks in his cage/forced to be quiet · Forest- moves majestically
wherever he wants/snarls and terrorises the village. (Any one point from the
above)
(ii) When the speaker suggests that the tiger should be "Snarling around
houses at the jungle's edge"? What does he insinuate about the tiger's natural
behaviour and habitat?
Answer. Tiger- naturally powerful, free and ferocious (Any one point/ any
other suitable word/phrase is acceptable)
(iii) The poet's skillful use of imagery effectively depicts the confinement and
frustration of the tiger. Elaborate in about 40 words.
Answer. · In his vivid stripes, pads of velvet quiet, in his quiet rage
(Any two of these images with elaboration to be accepted)
(iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute 'quiet rage' in the given sentence
from the extract?
The few steps of his cage on pads of velvet quiet in his 'quiet rage.'
Answer. Suppressed anger
OR
7. (B) No use to say 'O there are other balls
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where his ball went.
I would not intrude on him,
A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions. People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external
He is learning.....
(i) Which of the following best describes the speaker's attitude towards the
boy's reaction to losing his ball?
(A) indifferent as the ball is inexpensive
(B) sympathetic, understanding the depth of the boy's loss
(C) mocking, finding the boy's reaction exaggerated and unnecessary.
(D) panicked, sharing the boy's distress over the lost ball.
Answer. (B) – sympathetic, understanding the depth of the boy’s loss
(ii) Comment on the use of metaphor in the above extract.
Answer. Ball is a metaphor for possessions/childhood innocence
(iii) Explain the phrase 'all his young days into the harbour' with reference to
the extract.
Answer. · loss of the ball- moment of transition from childhood to maturity/
memories of childhood flashed in front of his eyes. (Reference- ‘senses his first
responsibility’, ‘he is learning’)
(iv) Briefly state in about 40 words the boy's journey from 'shaking grief' to
'he is learning' in the above extract.
Answer. · Journey from innocence to maturity/ youth to adulthood ·
Realisation/learning- loss is inevitable, he will lose things, · replace them but
never be able to buy back the thing he has lost.
8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions in 40-50 words each:
(i) What mood of the poet is reflected in the poem 'Dust of Snow' initially?
What images are used by the poet to bring about the effect? Comment.
Answer. · Mood- depressed/ hopeless. (Any other appropriate word can be
accepted) · Images- ‘hemlock tree’ and ‘crow’.
(ii) How far would you agree that one's positivity can bring in a spark of
brightness even in adverse circumstances?
Answer. Positive attitude can help individuals see opportunities where others
see problems. (Students can answer this question with/ without reference to
any chapter(s)/character(s) (any two points)
(iii) What makes Custard, the dragon look fearsome? Explain.
Answer. · sharp teeth, spikes on top of him and scales underneath. · mouth was
similar to a fireplace and nose was like a chimney. · daggers on his toes. (any
two points)
(iv) Explain, why the speaker mentions God in the poem "For Anne Gregory".
Answer. · · Human beings incapable of seeing inner beauty. · Only God sees
beyond external beauty.
(v) What message might the Buddha's story hold for those who are in
positions of power and privilege ?
Answer. · Death brings grief and suffering · It treats everyone equally · Death
takes away material possessions, power and privilege · One should not be
controlled by desires and material possessions. (any two points)
9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in 40-50 words each:
(i) Scientists contribute to make the world a better place. Griffin is an
antithesis to this statement. Justify. (Footprints Without Feet)
Answer. · lawless person.
· committed many crimes.
· misused his discovery (any two points)
(ii) Why did Bholi's teacher feel like an artist admiring her masterpiece?
(Bholi)
Answer. · Bholi refused to marry the man demanding dowry
· proud to see Bholi take a stand for herself/transform into a confident person.
(iii) What is the twist at the end of the story "The Necklace'? (The Necklace)
Answer. · The diamond necklace borrowed was fake · Lost her beauty / wasted
her youth and money · suffered (any two points)
10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 100-120 words:
(i) In the chapter 'A Baker from Goa' the narrator talks about his childhood in
Goa and his fond memories. In about 120 words write a presentation draft
comparing the childhood of the narrator in 'A Baker from Goa' to that of
Nelson Mandela. You may begin this way:
Childhood memories remind us of the days gone by.....
Reference: A Baker from Goa and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk
Answer. Differences- · A Baker from Goa- freedom is a reality, · Nelson
Mandela- freedom is an illusion. · Commonalities- · both talk about freedom of
childhood · carefree existence · innocence of childhood. (any three points)
(ii) Amanda from the poem ‘Amanda' is a teenager like Anne Frank and lives in
her fantasy world whereas Anne is a chatter box.
What conversation will Anne Frank have with Amanda about different
perspectives of life? Write your answer in about 120 words.
Answer. Anne to Amanda:
· stop fantasising
· do what you want
· face situations head on
Amanda to Anne:
· strive for freedom
· live your life
· create your own space
· keep dreaming (be optimistic) (any three points, at least one from each side)
11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in 100-120 words:
(i) How did the lady in red manage to outsmart and out maneuver the other
thief, Horace Danby, by robbing the safe without leaving a single fingerprint?
(A Question of Trust)
Answer. · woman in red pretends to be lady of the house (mannerisms,
gestures, language were sophisticated) · Horace trusted, opened safe (didn’t
inform police) · She took away all jewels.
(ii) Hari Singh says - "He knew it but neither his lips nor his eyes showed
anything."
Anil successfully addressed the situation by not addressing it at
all. Elaborate based on your reading of The Thief's Story.
Answer. Hari Singh returns after regretting stealing money from Anil.
· Anil knew Hari was a thief
· Next Morning, Hari offers tea
· Anil didn’t refer to the incident/ doesn’t show any signs of anger