KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN, DEHRADUN REGION

PRE-BOARD
ENGLISH -Language and Literature (Code-184)
CLASS- X
MARKS: 80 TIME: 3 Hrs.
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 Textbook
(iii) Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

SECTION-A
Reading Skills 20 marks

1. Read the following passage carefully: 10

(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.

(3) 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 civilisations 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 recognising that cultures and civilisations 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. 1

A. _______________
B. _______________

(ii) Select the option that corresponds to the meaning of the following sentence
from para (2). 1
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.

(iii) Based on your reading of the passage, examine how Sustainable Development
Goals can be achieved. 2

(iv) What is the tone of the writer in the given line from paragraph (4)? Rationalise
your response : "Cultural diversity is an asset." 2

(v) The phrase 'bridging the gap' in paragraph (4) refers to: 1
A. widening the differences
B. connecting two desperate ideas
C. supporting the bridging
D. filling in the space between two connected things.
(vi) In sets a-e below, identify two sets of antonyms. 1
a. richness and poverty
b. intellectual and moral
c. reduction and promotion
d. essential and intrinsic
e. urgent and crucial
Options:
A. b and e
B. a and c
C. b and d
D. d and e

(vii) Complete the sentence appropriately:

The Second Committee of UN General Assembly in 2015
adopted_________________ 1
(viii) Complete the following sentence:
_____________ is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development. 1

Q2. Read the following passage carefully: 10

(1) Mango (Mangifera indica) is Asia's most popular fruit and it has gained
popularity around the world. It has long been a component of culture and religion
as a useful and tasty fruit. In addition to taste, it has many good qualities thus
making it to be called as 'King of Fruits" Major mango-growing states in India
include Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are the leading states in mango production.

(2) Mango is grown in an area of 5.58 million hectares of area in the world. India is
the largest producer of mangoes with 46.02 and 45.88 percent of the total world
area and production, respectively. However, India being the major shareholder in
terms of mango production, exports only 0.52% of its total production indicating
the huge gap in exporting of mangoes. Peru exports about 46%, Thailand 24%,
Mexico 18% and Brazil 11% of their total mango production. These countries are
the bigger challenges for Indian mango exports. Hence, efforts are needed to
evolve cheap transportation mechanism, increase the trade agreements with major
importing countries and enhance the productivity.

(3) The top importing country is United States of America, however, India exports
only two percent of its total exports to the USA. The USA, European countries, the
UK, Malaysia and Russia can be the other hotspots where India can target to export
the mangoes. The critical issue for exporting to the USA is transportation cost (due
to sea route distance) and limited shelf life of mango, while for Europe
transportation costs as well as competition by African countries are the major
hurdles.
The following chart shows the major export destinations of Indian mangoes in
2019-20: Table: Major export destinations of Indian mangoes in 2019-20:

Answer the following questions based on the passage above:

(i) Complete the following analogy appropriately, based on your
understanding of Para (1) 1
We can say that for becoming the king of jungle, Lion has to be the
strongest, bravest and the fiercest. Similarly, Mango is known as the
king of fruits because ________________
(ii) Fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in
brackets, based on your understanding of Para (2): 1
The statement that, India is the largest producer of Mangoes with 45.88
percent of the total world production can be attributed to Indian
orchardists, is a/an___ (fact/opinion) because it is a/an_____ (subjective
judgement/objective detail)
(iii) Justify the following : 2
India being the major shareholder in terms of mango production,
exports only 0.52% of its total production.
(iv) Based on the table, which three countries were at par with each other in
terms of mango import from India in 2019-20? 1
(v) The top mango importing country is the USA, however India exports
only two percent of its total exports to the U.S.A. State any one
inference that can be drawn from this. 1
(vi) In the given sentence taken from para-2, select the option that correctly
replaces the underlined word, with its most likely antonym. 1
These countries are the bigger challenges for Indian mango exports.
A. enigmas
 B. solutions
C. provocations
D. disputes
(vii) Why is India described as the largest producer of mangoes in the world?1
(viii) Which of the following is the main takeaway from the study mentioned in
the passage? 1
A. India needs to produce more mangoes so that more can be exported.
B. The UAE imported least mangoes from India in 2019-20.
C. India is the largest producer of mangoes and by putting in more efforts,
has the potential to be the largest exporter too.
D. More study is needed to find ways to increase.
(ix) Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below- 1
Assertion: India is the largest producer of mangoes.
Reason : India has the largest cultivated land area and highest
production of mangoes.
Options-
A. Both assertion and reason are correct, and the reason is a correct
explanation of the assertion.
B. Both assertion and reason are correct, but the reason is not a correct
explanation of the assertion.
C. Assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect.
D. Assertion is incorrect, and the reason is correct.

SECTION-B
Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 20
marks
3. Complete any ten of the following twelve tasks, as directed: 10

(i)Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the 1
given portion of a letter:

We hope that you continue to work with the same zeal and keep ___________
(surprise) us with such remarkable performances. We thank you and wish you good
luck for your upcoming projects.
Regards

(ii) Read the given sentence from a medical journal. Identify the error and supply 1
the correction in the sentence:
A flu vaccine's most common side effects are soreness, redness and swelling at the
injection site. These ought begin six to twelve hours after vaccination and can last
upto two days.
Use the given format.

ERROR CORRECTION
(iii) Tanu and Amit had a conversation about the execution of Tanu's travel plan.
Report Amit's question.
“Will you be going with your family?” 1

(iv) Read the dialogue between Karan and his friend, Param regarding Karan's
vacation plans: 1

Karan: How is your winter vacation shaping up?

Param: Alas! There are no plans. We have extra classes during our winter
vacations.

Select the correct option to complete reporting of the above dialogue.

Karan asked Param how his winter vacation plan was shaping up.
Param sighed and said there were no plans. He further added that ___________.
A. they had extra classes during our winter vacations.
B. he has extra classes during their winter vacations.
C. they had extra classes during their winter vacations.
D. they have extra classes during their vacation.

(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the line from the
policy document of an insurance company: 1

It is our endeavour to settle your maturity claim on or before due date. The
servicing Branch ____________ (likely/ usually/ occasionally) sends maturity
claim intimations two months in advance.

(vi) Identify the error and supply correction for the given part of the note appearing
on an educational website: 1
Please note: An early and active communication are required as late notification
may result in a delayed redressal of your request.

ERROR CORRECTION

(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for a line
from a research report on water conservation. 1
Excess pumping of groundwater lead to a decrease in groundwater levels but if it
continues, it can exhaust the resource.
Error Correction
A. lead leads
B. continues continued
C. but also
D. can should

(viii) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank, with the correct option:
Finally, she went to the best doctor in town. The doctor spent months on 1
_________ her until she was finally cured.
 A. Treats
B. treated
C. to treating
D. treating

(ix) Report the dialogue between two friends, Madhur and Priyanka, by completing
the sentence: 1
Madhur: Do you know the importance of water for our body?
Priyanka: Yes, indeed! Water is essential for digestion and regulates body
temperature.

Madhur asked Priyanka if she knew about the importance of water for their body.
Priyanka answered in the affirmative and explained that…………… .
(x) Identify the error and supply correction for the following sentence taken from a
copyright’s document. 1
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Reproducing,
adaptation or translation without prior written permission is prohibited.

ERROR CORRECTION

(xi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets.
Several new species of plants have recently_______. (discover) 1
A. being discovered
B. been discovered
C. discovered
D. have discovered
(xii) Select the correct option to complete the given sentence from a handbook.
With a little more effort, we ______ win this time. 1
A. would
B. can
C. might
D. may

Creative Writing Skills

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

4. Attempt any one of the following: 5

(A)You are Vaibhavi Sinha, examination Incharge, Goodway Public School,

Aurobindo Road, Indore. You require 4 reams of white paper, 2 packets of carbon
paper, one dozen registers, blue and red ball point pens (50 each). Place an order
with Sunrise Stationary Mart, 12 Mall Road, Indore mentioning terms of payment,
discount asked by you and delivery date. (120 words)

OR
(B)You are Aruna/ Arjun CCA in charge of St. Joseph’s High School, Pune Cantt.
You have read an advertisement by the National Tourist Corporation, offering
excellent prices for group tours. Write a letter in about 120 words to enquire about
the following:
⮚ Duration of tour
⮚ Sightseeing places
⮚ Cost package discount
⮚ Mode of transport
⮚ Destinations being offered

5. Attempt any one of the following: 5

(A)Read the following report and write an analytical paragraph on the data in 120
words.
● Singh - use plastic water bottles cause dangerous substances to ‘ leach’ into
the soil and water.
● The bottles typically don't begin to break down for one hundred years or
even longer.
● Their decomposition may be speeded up by extreme weather conditions,e.g.
very hot or very cold temperatures.

OR

(B) An area is believed to be water stressed when annual water supplies drop
below 1700 cubic metres per person per year. As per an analysis we are already
surviving with around 1700-1800 cubic metres per year. As our demand for water
has increased drastically over the years, per capita water availability has taken a
beating. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, analysing the possible
causes of water scarcity in the future.

SECTION-C
Literature Textbook 40 marks

6. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the
following: 5
A) The bus rolled on now cutting across a bare landscape, now rushing through
a tiny hamlet or past an old wayside shop. Sometimes the bus seemed on
the point of gobbling up another vehicle that was coming towards them or a
pedestrian crossing the road. But lo! somehow it passed on smoothly,
leaving all obstacles safely behind. Trees came running towards them but
then stopped as the bus reached them and simply stood there helpless for a
moment by the side of the road before rushing away in the other direction.
(Madam Rides the Bus)
 i) “Trees came running towards them”. Which literary device is used
here? 1
a) Onomatopoeia (b) simile (c) personification (d) alliteration
ii) Describe the bus journey from the eyes of an eight year old girl. 2
iii) The trees that came running seemed to ______________ as the bus
reached them. 1
iv) The scene was presented from the point of view of a child. (true/ false).
1

OR
B ) The arrival of a stranger at an inn in winter was in any case an unusual
event. A stranger of such uncommon appearance set all tongues wagging. Mrs.
Hall, the landlord’s wife, made every effort to be friendly. But Griffin had no
desire to talk, and told her, “My reason for coming to Iping is a desire for solitude.
I do not wish to be disturbed in my work. Besides, an accident has affected my
face.” Satisfied that her guest was an eccentric scientist, and in view of the fact that
he had paid her in advance, Mrs. Hall was prepared to excuse his strange habits and
irritable temper.
(Footprints Without Feet)

i) State any one inference about Griffin from the given context: 1
“My reason for coming to Iping is a desire for solitude. I do not wish to
be disturbed in my work. Besides, an accident has affected my face”.
ii) State True or False: 1
Even though Mrs Hall was satisfied with Griffin, she was sceptical to
excuse his strange habits and irritable temper.
iii) It was not difficult for Griffin to convince the landlord and his wife
about his strange appearance and eccentric behaviour. Elaborate . 2
iv) Which phrase would correctly substitute “set all tongues wagging” in
the given sentence from the extract: 1
A stranger of such uncommon appearance ______________

7.Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the
following: 5
A) Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chased the lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
(The Tale of Custard the Dragon)
i) Comment upon the contrast that is reflected in the last two lines of the
extract. 1
ii) Fill in the blank with one word: 1
While describing Ink and Blink, the speaker says that they could chase
lions down the stairs. By saying so, he is revealing the _____________
characteristics of their personality.
 iii) Comment on the poet’s use of language in these lines in about 40
words. 2
iv) Which of the following best describes the theme of the poem? 1
A. Bravery and heroism
B. humility leads to bravery
C. Valour and diligence
D. Crisis reveals cowardice

OR

B) The trees inside are moving out into the forest,

The forest that was empty all these days
Where no bird could sit
No insect hide
No sun bury its feet in shadow
The forest that was empty all these nights
Will be full of trees by morning.
(Trees)
i) The forest is here visualised as a __________. 1
A. Sheltered place B) dry land C) heaven on earth D) hell
ii) Trees are moving out of the house _____________ 1
A. To enjoy B) out of sheer boredom C) to breathe freely D)to
dance
iii) The poetic device used in line 1 is ____________ 1
iv) What does the poet want to convey through the imagery of the ‘empty’
forest? 2

8. Answer any four of the following five questions in about 40-50 words each:
4x3=12
i. Does Mandela think the oppressor is free? Why/ why not?
(Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)

ii. What made Valli sad on her journey back home?

(Madam Rides the Bus)

iii. Describe Amanda’s visualisation of life in a tower? (Amanda)

iv. Who was the Buddha? How did Siddhartha Gautama become the Buddha?
(The Sermon At Benaras)

v. What thematic ideas has Robert Frost highlighted in the poem ‘Fire And
Ice’?

9. Answer any two of the following three questions in about 40-50 words each:
2x3=6
i. “Griffin was not a true scientist as he misused a scientific discovery”.
Discuss. (Footprints Without Feet)
 ii. How did the lady in red turn out to be much smarter and cleverer than
Horace Danby? (A Question of Trust)

iii. Based on the reading of the lesson, what made Bholi aware of the rights?
( Bholi)

10. Answer any one of the following two questions in 100-120 words: 6

i.Fears and lack of confidence can stop one from learning new things. Do you
agree? How did those two traits of the young seagull make him coward? How did
he overcome his shortcoming ? (His First Flight)

OR

ii.Why do you think the otter was not friendly at first with the narrator? Can you
relate this to the human nature as well? (Mijbil the Otter)

11. Answer any one of the following two questions in 100-120 words: 6

i.How does Richard Ebright’s curiosity and interest in science contribute to his
development as a scientist? Provide examples from the text.
(The Making of A Scientist)
O
ii.The chapter shows the silly and negligent behaviour of rich people like Mrs
Pumphrey who may harm their near and dear ones by their extra caring nature.
Tricki’s declined health was the outcome of Mrs Pumphrey’s over-caring nature.
Do you think such people’s actions can prove to be fatal for the health? What
would you suggest to such people and why?
(A Triumph of Surgery)